Women’s Aid respond to the Government’s plans to crackdown on spiking
Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, said:
“Women’s Aid welcomes the Government’s announcement to crackdown on spiking, as part of their mission to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG). The criminalisation of spiking, alongside a collaborative response from the police, transport networks, and venues in the nighttime economy, will send a clear signal to perpetrators about this behaviour not being tolerated and help protect women and girls.
Spiking is often seen as something that happens in public spaces, like bars and clubs, by strangers, but it is important to recognise that perpetrators of domestic abuse will utilise spiking as well. Women’s Aid often hears from survivors about their experiences of spiking in relationships, with many reporting that perpetrators exploit this method as a means of coercive control. The recent high-profile case of Gisèle Pelicot in France, who bravely spoke out about her 10-year experience of being spiked by her now ex-husband, has spotlighted this previously undiscussed issue for survivors of domestic abuse.
We are pleased that the Government is taking steps, including by investing in training those who work in the nighttime economy about spiking, to overcome this prevalent issue. We urge this training to be designed and delivered by VAWG specialists and urge the Home Office to consider how they will ensure a comprehensive response to spiking including in domestic settings. We’re also calling on the Government to make a commitment to supporting those who have experienced spiking, through specialist mental health support services and counselling, so that they are able to heal from traumatic impacts of abuse.”
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