Concerns over spiking
Reports of an alarming increase in the “spiking”of women in bars and nightspots across the country has created a sense of fear among some female clubbers.
A large number of posts and warnings have been circulating on social media in recent days surrounding the practice of “needle spiking”. It involves injecting someone with alcohol or drugs – with some people claiming they have been subjected to it while enjoying a night out.
This has understandably led to many women becoming apprehensive or even afraid to go out to clubs, and has heralded UK-wide protests to boycott nightspots.
Dubbed the Girls Night In Protests, boycotts will be happening this week.
On Thursday there will be a boycott of Glasgow nightclubs. It is hoped this will signal a change in clubs’policies on searching and help bring an end to spiking.
A press statement from Girls Night In Glasgow said:“Girls Night In hopes to bring attention to just how urgently this issue needs to be dealt with, given the recent rise in spiking cases, particularly via injection.
“The violation of anyone’s body should strike a chord with everyone, which is why we are trying to make our movement as inclusive as possible. Drink spiking and rape culture must be addressed at a systematic level, by both clubs/organisers and the government.
“We demand serious reforms and accountability for the unsafe environment that the ignorance and evil certain groups of people are causing.
“Within the first 24 hours of starting the account, the response was overwhelming. We received hundreds of messages about people’s personal experiences with spiking, sexual harassment (whether it be from the bouncers or people in the club), as well as the mentioning of hospitalisations and counselling sessions that were needed as a result of the incidents.
“No one should feel as though their life’s on the line when they go on a night out. This is an inclusive movement where we take a stand against the horrifying behaviour that club culture lets slide.”
Anna Cowan is a co-founder of Girls Against, an organisation standing up against sexual assault and misogyny in the live music scene.
She said:“Too often the blame and responsibility is placed onto women to solve this issue, and men need to step up and make sure they are not complicit in violence. Read up on these issues and listen to women’s experiences of harassment.”