Violence against women and girls

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.

This page provides guidance on:

• reporting
• support services in Southwark
• practical steps to help prevent and respond to incidents of spiking

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of spiking can appear within 15 to 30 minutes and may include:

• confusion
• nausea or vomiting
• hallucinations and paranoia
• disorientation or poor coordination
• inability to communicate properly
• unconsciousness

Spiking symptoms can be hard to spot and may feel like being more drunk than expected. If you suddenly feel strange or more intoxicated than expected, get help immediately. 

What to do if you think you’ve been spiked

If you think you have been spiked you should:

• stay with someone you know and trust and alert a member of staff (if you're in a venue)
• go to a place of safety and don’t leave on your own
• call 999 for emergency medical help if you feel unwell
• call 111 for medical advice and support if it's not an emergency

How to report to the police

If you have just been spiked, call 999 as soon as possible.

If it happened in the past, you can call the police on 101 or report it online at www.met.police.uk/ro/report

Support services in Southwark

Victim Support is an independent charity offering free and confidential support to anyone affected by crime. 

Southwark Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS), delivered by Refuge, provides comprehensive community-based domestic and sexual abuse support services to Southwark residents

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) offer confidential medical, practical and emotional support after rape, sexual assault or abuse. You can refer yourself directly. With your permission, SARCs can also make a report to the police on your behalf.

Southwark Wellbeing Hub supports anyone in Southwark looking to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

South East London Mind is a local mental health charity offering support, advice and information

Information for businesses

How you can help tackle spiking

Venues play a vital role in preventing spiking and supporting victims. 

We have created a guide to help businesses tackle drink spiking and create safer environments. 

The guide includes information and advice on:

• what spiking is and how to spot the signs
• how to support someone that has been spiked
• responding to an incident
• collecting evidence
• testing and reporting
• creating a venue action plan
• useful contacts and support services 

Anti-spiking kits

We are offering a limited number of anti-spiking kits to licensed venues. These kits are designed to support your staff in responding to suspected incidents and help create a safer environment for customers.

If your venue is interested in receiving a kit or if you have any questions, please email us at community.safety@southwark.gov.uk

We can also provide information and signpost to staff training opportunities related to spiking awareness and response.

Further information

Read the Metropolitan's Police advice on how to recognise spiking, what to do, and where to get help.

Read the UK Government's national guidance for individuals, venues, and professionals.