What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge. Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere and can be carried out by strangers or people you know.
Is spiking illegal?
Yes, it is illegal under current laws in the UK. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says it is an offence to administer a substance to another person without their consent, with the intention of "stupefying or overpowering" them so as to enable any other person to engage in sexual activity with them.
What to do if you suspect you have been spiked?
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge. Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere and can be carried out by strangers or people you know.
Is spiking illegal?
Yes, it is illegal under current laws in the UK. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 says it is an offence to administer a substance to another person without their consent, with the intention of "stupefying or overpowering" them so as to enable any other person to engage in sexual activity with them.
What to do if you suspect you have been spiked?
Seek help from a member of staff at the venue, use the SafeSpace App to contact Security if on campus.
Seek medical advice. If seriously unwell, someone you trust should take you to your nearest A&E department; otherwise call 111 or consult your GP. If you suspect spiking by injection seek testing for infections such as hepatitis and HIV. A&E do not offer toxicology tests and will only perform tests for drugs when it is necessary to determine medical treatment.
Report to the Police. Call 999 if at risk or 101 if in a place of safety. Police can test blood, urine, hair, drinks and vomit for drugs.
Report to the University through the Report + Support - Report + Support - University of Greenwich tool to access support from Student Support Advisors. The University will then contact you to discuss your report and supporting options further before taking any action.
If you have been subjected to rape or sexual assault (or other forms of sexual violence) you can speak to one of our specialist Student Support Advisors at Report + Support - Report + Support - University of Greenwich
Further information on spiking: