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going on nights out

feeling safe on a night out

 you are not responsible for protecting yourself against sexual violence & abuse. the suggestions below are purely there to support with feelings of safety. the responsibility remains with the perpetrator, always. 
you could plan ahead, plan where you are going and how you are going to get home
you could stay with friends, make sure everyone in the group stays safe and no one goes off alone
you could stick to busy, well-lit areas. avoid dangerous spots like poorly lit areas, deserted areas and quiet alleyways
you could try and sit near other people on public transport. if you are on a bus, it may feel safer to sit on the bottom deck
you could only take essentials, avoid taking excessive items that may get stolen 
you could watch your drink, keep an eye on your drink and avoid accepting drinks from strangers
you could consider carrying a personal security alarm
you could try and eat something before you go out

you could stay hydrated throughout the night

what is spiking?

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spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs in another person’s drink without their knowledge. this recently has expanded to spiking by injection however this is less common

 

someone may decide to spike someone for many reasons including robbery, rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, non-physical sexual assault

and more

symptoms of spiking: 
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  • feeling or being sick

  • feeling “strange” or drunker than expected 

  • feeling confused and disorientated

  • feeling sleepy 

  • difficulties with speech

  • memory loss

  • breathing problems

  • blurred vision 

  • loss of balance and co-ordination

  • acting out of character

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check out our poster here!

being aware of spiking:
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spiking is not completely preventive but there are some actions you could take to enhance feelings of safety surrounding spiking:​

  • stay aware of what is going on around you

  • not leaving your drink unattended

  • not accepting a drink from someone you do not know 

  • if you do accept a drink, make sure you go up to the bar and receive it directly from the bartender

  • stick with friends and look out for each other

  • cover your drinks with drink covers where possible

  • throw your drink away if you have any suspicion it has been spiked

i've been spiked by injection...

if you suspect you have been spiked with a needle, attempt to find the injection site. sterilise the site and cover it with a dressing or plaster. go to a sexual health clinic or A&E within 24 hours as spiking by injection puts victims at risk of HIV and hepatitis. if you'd like some support, you can find it here

how do I know if my drink has been spiked? check out our poster here

helping a friend who has been spiked:

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  • tell a member of staff whether this be a manager or a bouncer 

  • stay with them and keep talking to them

  • call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates 

  • call someone else like a relative of the victim or another friend

  • do not let them go home on their own 

  • do not let them leave with someone you don’t know or trust 

  • do not allow them to have any more alcohol if possible

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