Spiking proposals put forward by Welsh Lib Dems
Calls for new measures to reduce spiking rates ahead of Senedd debate
There are calls for new measures to be introduced to help reduce spiking rates in Wales.
Ahead of today’s Senedd debate on spiking, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS wants Welsh political parties to join together and adopt three proposals she argues will help reduce incidents of spiking.
The three proposals put forward by the Welsh Liberal Democrats are:
- Free drug test strips to be made available for free at all bars and nightclubs, backed by Government funding if necessary.
- Greater access to training on drink spiking for all venue staff, security services and the police.
- Tougher sentences for those found guilty of spiking.
Commenting ahead of the debate, Jane said: “Over the last few weeks, I have heard from numerous people, especially young women, who are feeling extremely anxious and scared.
“Women should not need to change their behaviour to feel safe when enjoying a night out. Unfortunately, this is not a new issue, rather an issue that has been swept under the rug for far too long and is finally coming to light. Anxieties over spiking join pre-existing concerns for women over sexual violence and harassment.
“We now need legislation to help tackle this problem urgently and I hope the other political parties in the Senedd will join me in calling for more action.
“I would also add that reports over the last few weeks highlight a deeper problem in our society, the need for more women in policy-making positions. Whether it’s in our parliaments and political parties, the police or local councils. The fact this threat has been left unaddressed for so long is simply evidence of the need for more female voices, particularly young females, at the decision-making table.”
- Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, says she wants the Welsh Government’s resolute ambition to change the narrative on violence against women.
- Hutt wants to ensure the focus is on perpetrators and individuals that commit these heinous crimes.
The minister said: “First and foremost let me be clear that it is not for women to modify their behaviour, it is for abusers to change theirs. The onus of these crimes does not fall on the women. It falls squarely on those men who commit them.
"Secondly, to those who know the perpetrators. If you know or see a person that is carrying out these crimes you have a moral duty to report them as soon as it is safe to do so.
"We all have a duty in our communities to call out inappropriate behaviours and offer support, where it is safe to do so. This includes men being empowered to engage with other men and boys to call out abusive and sexist behaviour among their friends, colleagues and communities to promote a culture of equality and respect."
The Minister continued: “We understand the genuine concern of women and young girls around their safety, particularly in the night time economy setting. That’s why we’re strengthening our Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) Strategy to include a focus on violence and harassment against women in the street and workplace as well as the home.
"At its heart, the revised strategy recognises VAWDASV is a societal issue that requires a societal response. Tackling male violence, gender inequality and misogyny require action at both ends of the spectrum; we must support survivors and we must hold perpetrators to account but we must also create genuine behaviour change. This is how we will combat the insidious and pervasive negative attitudes towards women that can manifest in acts like spiking.
"Working together as a united community, ensuring that we stop perpetrators from carrying out these heinous acts, we can all work together to make Wales the safest place in Europe to be a woman.”