19/10/2021
copied from womens+nb officer and womcam guidance:
[CN: drink spiking in Cambridge, sexual assault, r*pe mention]
I’ve been informed that there has been an increase in drinks spiking in Cambridge. There are some resources below, but please also know that people who are victims of drink spiking are not to blame for what happens. As important as it is to look out for yourself and those around you, people who do experience spiking and/or assault are not at fault.
Resources:
The University’s guidance on drinks spiking gives information on how to tell if your drink has been spiked, what to do if your or a friend’s drink has been spiked, and how to avoid drink spiking.
https://www.studentwellbeing.admin.cam.ac.uk/support-particular-issues/drink-spiking
The Sexual Assault & Harrassment Advisor, Amy Thompson, provides support and advice to students who have experienced sexual harassment or assault, whether this happened at the university or elsewhere.
https://www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/sexual-assault-and-harassment-advisor
Cambridge R**e Crisis Centre provides a helpline, email support, counselling and advocacy for women who have experienced sexual violence.
www.cambridgerapecrisis.org.uk/
Cambridge SU’s BEST Night Out campaign gives information for event organisers on how to run safer events.
https://www.cambridgesu.co.uk/news/article/jobs/BEST-Night-Out-Support-for-Event-Organisers/
Some college Welfare Officers and Events Officers have also suggested buying drinks test kits or drinks covers for students, such as these:
https://stoptopps.com/product/pack-of-250-stoptopps/
If your college has taken other steps to keep students safe, please do share!
Many bars and clubs around Cambridge (including Pembroke bar) also have an Ask for Angela where if you feel uncomfortable you go to the bar and ask to speak to Angela (a code word) and then they will take you outside/make sure you get home safe/keep an eye on you depending on what works for you
Please do message Safa Al-Azami if you want to chat about anything or have any questions.
250 self-adhesive StopTopps foil lids. Price includes post and packaging. UK only.