If someone is in immediate danger or is seriously injured/unwell:
Call 999.
If you think someone has been spiked while you are out with them:
- Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff (if applicable)
- Stay with them and keep talking to them
- Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates
- Don’t let them go home on their own
- Don’t let them leave with someone you don’t know or trust
- Don’t let them drink more alcohol - this could lead to more serious problems
Police reporting
They have the option to report to the Police. Police can test for drugs in blood, urine, drinks and vomit. Drugs can leave the body in as little as 12 hours after consumption so it’s important to report and get tested quickly.
Further information about reporting can be found here, including an online reporting form.
Medical help
Medical help
- Do they need support to seek medical advice? If they are seriously unwell, help them get to the nearest A&E department. Otherwise call 111 or support them to consult their GP.
- If you suspect spiking by injection, they can seek testing for infections such as hepatitis and HIV. A&E do not offer toxicology tests and will only perform tests for drugs when it is necessary to determine medical treatment.
Sexual violence support
- If they have been sexually assaulted/are unsure what happened while they were spiked, they can seek support, advice and forensic evidence testing (if spiking and sexual violence happened/may have happened within the last 8 days) from The Bridge/local Sexual Assault Referral Centre outside of Avon and Somerset area
Report and Support at BSU
- The person affected by the spiking can submit a form on this website. They can choose to do this anonymously or request support from an advisor. If the person making the report chooses to talk to an advisor, they will be able to discuss the options and support available.
- If they give your permission and would like your help, you can submit the form on their behalf
- If the person you’re supporting does not want to be in touch with us for support and you’re worried/unsure what to do, you can submit a Request Contact from an Advisor form yourself, for us to contact you.
- You can also submit a form to report a third party concern about a spiking incident you have witnessed.
Note that we cannot guarantee confidentiality for anyone named in the report, if there are risk concerns.
Given we want people to feel in control and their wishes to be respected, we recommend that you don’t include their name or identifying details when you contact us for advice.
National sources of support
- Victim Support help anyone who has been the victim of a crime. They can support you coping with the after-effects of crime and help with reporting to the police.
Your own wellbeing
Supporting someone who has been spiked can be really upsetting, and it’s important that you make sure that you also look after yourself.
If you are a Bath Spa student or staff member seeking support, our advisors can connect you with further support available here at the University. You can connect with them via the Request Contact from an Advisor form.
There may be an equivalent service of this kind at your university if you are studying or working elsewhere, or there are national services to support you such as the 24/7 Samaritans helpline.
If you are a Bath Spa student or staff member seeking support, our advisors can connect you with further support available here at the University. You can connect with them via the Request Contact from an Advisor form.
There may be an equivalent service of this kind at your university if you are studying or working elsewhere, or there are national services to support you such as the 24/7 Samaritans helpline.