Drink Spiking |
Various bottles of Alcohol
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Drink spiking is the unlawful administration of a mind-altering substance or alcohol into another person's drink. Alcohol or additional alcohol has been unlawfully used to spike drinks in this manner for thousands of years. This tactic is not solely confined to drink - it has also been used in food. Neither is the motive solely for sexual assault.
Nevertheless, the offence committed is, at the very least under the Offences Against The Persons Act 1861 of unlawfully and maliciously administering a poison or noxious substance so as to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH). Just because it is an old act doesn't mean that it is out of date.
On the contrary, remember the saying, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it". This Act fits drink spiking very well and the maximum penalty (remember that some people do this just for amusement) is
- Amusement
- Sexual Assault/Rape
- Theft/Robbery
- Kidnap
Ten years imprisonment
Of course, if sexual assault, rape, robbery or theft are involved the penalties are even higher. Whilst this offence is mostly committed against women, we wish to highlight that it is believed that 11% of victims are male.
Remember
Never leave your drink unattended at any time when you are out. If in doubt, don't drink it and walk away. It is a good idea to have one person in your group designated to watch everyone's drinks on an evening out. If you feel that you have been a victim of drink spiking, make contact with the management / bar staff ASAP .It is important that you stay with a friend that you trust completely.
The truth about drink spiking
- People sometimes do it as a gag, but it could also be out of spite or anger, or even to rob you or leave you open to sexual assault
- Spiking isn't just with drugs. It's more likely that someone has added vodka to your pint, or given you a double when you asked for just a single or a soft drink
- It isn't just women's drinks that get spiked – it's men's too
- Spiking a drink with alcohol can be dangerous - you never know what else someone might have taken that may cause a reaction
- It only takes 15 minutes for the effects of 'rape drugs' to kick in - they can wipe out eight hours of memory
- If someone spikes your drink with the intention of sexually assaulting you, they could face up to 10 years in prison – even if rape doesn't take place
Be smart – protect yourself and your mates
- Don't share or swap drinks
- When you nip to the toilet or go for a dance, leave your drink with someone you know you can trust
- If you suddenly feel odd or unusually drunk, ask a friend to get you home - but make sure it's someone you really trust
- If a mate starts acting strangely or out of character, it's possible they've been drugged. Always ask for help and make sure they get home safely
- Always look out for each other. If there's a group of you and one's driving – and therefore not drinking – get them to be a designated drinks watcher
- Think twice before accepting drinks from someone you don't know well
- Watch your drink being poured and don't leave it unattended - that way no one can spike it or add more alcohol to it
