Students take to streets over club spiking fears
MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE TAKE PART IN PROTEST
STUDENTS across North Wales joined together to take a stance against drink spiking.
More than 100 people took to Bangor high street on Wednesday night in order to raise awareness and to hear from speakers, students and the Mayor of the City.
As part of a national boycott, people across the UK are being encouraged to avoid clubs and bars in response to the recent rise in cases of spiking using various methods across the UK.
The campaign, organised by Undeb Bangor, the university Students’ Union aims to increase security measures and raise awareness about the dangers of getting spiked.
Beginning at 6.00pm, the organisers of the event welcomed attendees, some with a story to tell, others there to give support.
In a defiant stance, organisers encouraged the crowd to walk with them through the streets of the city centre from the University grounds.
Carrying home made signs, some read “Respect Exists”, “Let us be safe” and a large banner reading ‘Reclaim the night’ whilst chanting: “Reclaim the night – Spiking is illegal.”
Speaking at the Event, Owen J Hurcum, Bangor Mayor said: “It is a failing of society that Reclaim the Night marches are needed.
“They shouldn’t be – spiking shouldn’t happen, male violence against women shouldn’t happen.
“But it does. And it must stop – we will not tolerate these attacks in our city.
“I would like to thank the organisers of this march for their hard work and state my unequivocal support in this campaign.”
One student who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve never felt completely safe on a night out.
“Whether it’s someone leering at you, making unwanted advances or trying to take advantage.
“I’m lucky to have a good group of friends, but things seem much worse since clubs reopened following the pandemic, we’re supporting the boycott to show more needs to be done to keep everyone safe.”
University sports clubs demonstrated their support for the boycott, whilst others, including the stand-up paddleboard club arranged alternative activities.
The Bangor feminist society held a pizza and games night immediately after the protest to provide a social space for those boycotting to come together and have asked venues across the city if they would be to host “female nights.
Experts have previously advised what to do if you think you’ve been spiked, which you can read on our website.
But the aim from protest was very much one of educating the public about the dangers of those who wish to spike – rather than expecting the victims willing only” to take responsibility.
The feeling of solidarity and support for those hurt or killed after being drugged or spiked on a night out was felt by everyone in attendance.
Organisers have stated, this will not be the end of their displays, and more people are invited to join any future marches which will be announced in the coming days.