Young women in the UK are boycotting night clubs and pubs this week after an alarming increase in reports of drink spiking incidents.
Students across a number of cities in the UK will take part in the “Girls Night In” initiative, designed to raise awareness about drink spiking and demand better protections.
There have also been an increase in the number of women saying they have been spiked via injections from a needle while out at night. In September and October, there have been 198 confirmed reports of drink spiking and 24 reports of spiking by injection, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
A petition has also been launched for the government to make it law that nightclubs must search guests on arrival to prevent harmful weapons and other items entering the establishment.
“There are too many cases of weapons and ‘date rape’ drugs being used in clubs. It begs the question, why aren’t nightclubs required to do more to prevent harmful items making it into their clubs?” the petition states.
According to a notice by Nottinghamshire Police published last week, a total of 14 women and 1 man have reported being spiked by a needle in the local area.
Caroline Henry, the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said the police force was doing its “utmost to increase safety and feelings of safety”.
“I have also led discussions in the city to develop a strategic approach to tackling violence against women and girls in Nottingham’s night time economy,” she said.
Henry said more officers have been deployed to the city centre over the next few weekends, including Halloween weekend.
“Partner agencies across the city have also been working together to reiterate the message of reporting any concerns or incidents as soon as possible, to make sure forensic samples are taken and CCTV enquiries are carried out to help accelerate enquires.”
Police in Scotland are also investigating the issue, saying they have seen a small but notable increase in drink spiking incidents in recent months.
“Women, and men, should be able to go out for a night out without fear of being spiked. We are working with a range of partners, locally and nationally to ensure pubs and clubs are safe spaces for all. This includes working with licensees,” Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton said.
The Girls Night In campaign is calling for better protections including searches on entry to nightclubs, bars, and pubs, the introduction of protective drink covers and better training for venue staff.