Lifestyle

Girls Night In: The Nationwide Anti-Spiking Campaign

By bztara 21 Oct 2021

In response to the ongoing issue of spiking a nationwide campaign has emerged calling people to boycott clubs in coming weeks.

In what seems like a never ending fight for women's safety, reports of an increase in the number of people being spiked have spurred students and young people across the country to take action into their own hands.

Initiated by students Milly Seaford (Bristol) and Martha Williams (Edinburgh) Girls Night In is a movement that has gained nationwide recognition, with many popular student cities initiating their own ‘Girls Night In’.

The campaign has urged its followers, students and anyone else who can to boycott clubs on specific dates, mainly the 27th and 28th of October.

These dates vary within different student areas but intend to force venue owners into taking action to protect the people it hosts each night.

Demands such as stricter searches on entry, tougher legislation against perpetrators and greater support for victims are being made in order to ensure the safety of women.

The movement follows the increased levels of spiking that have occurred across the country.

And now there’s yet another fear for women to face, the recurring reports spiking via injection.

Any of my fellow Scots, please be super careful if you are going out to bar/pubs/clubs. The cases of spiking via injection is horrifyingly high now & is no longer limited to just Edinburgh clubs & has spread to other cities! Please stay safe & look after each other! pic.twitter.com/XLJlLuYS9a
— Taz (@Taz__Y) October 17, 2021

It seems as though every day there are new reports and posts of women who have been targeted by these terrifying attacks.

It's for this reason that many are calling for stricter entry searches as this may limit the amount of dangerous items that can be brought into a venue.

Whilst the idea of giving bouncers more powers may seem like a good idea, we are also reminded to keep intersectionality at the centre of this campaign and consider the best solution for all members of society.

In the video below, Maxine Williams describes of how marginalised groups may be affected by demands for increase security and tougher searches:

The campaign itself is a great way to bring attention to this prevalent issue, and will hopefully encourage venues to take spiking more seriously.

But as Maxine emphasises, we should make sure that everyone is a part of the solution.

Though reports of spiking have increased in recent weeks, it is not a new fear. Women are constantly having to think of new ways to protect themselves. Covering their drinks, learning how to tell if your drink has been spiked, advice of what to do if you have been spiked.

Whilst this information is useful in times of crisis, it shouldn't have to get to this point. The emphasis shouldn't be on what women can do to prevent and protect themselves from spiking, it should be on dealing with the issue itself. And this is the message behind the campaign.

The Girls Night In movement is not an attack business but an attempt to urge a response that makes women feel safer.

If you're looking to support this campaign the post below shows some dates and information that might be useful to you:

If you have been a victim of spiking or know someone who has remember it is never the victims fault.