#SPIKED - MPs set to debate spiking as Christmas Party season continues
Cross-party MPs are discussing the issue of spiking in a Westminster Hall debate
MPs from different parties are getting together in Westminster on Thursday to debate the issue of spiking.
It comes as campaigners wait for the Home Office to publish its strategy into tackling the issue.
Earlier this year our #SPIKED investigation laid bare the facts around the current spiking epidemic - and what might be done in the future to stop it.
What it feels like to be spiked - watch our documentary
Labour's Bradford South MP Judith Cummins and Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North Caroline Noakes are leading the debate, scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Westminster Hall.
According to the latest figures around 5,000 spiking incidents were reported to the Police in the last year, but a range of surveys seen by our investigation, suggests that fewer than one in ten people actually report it, over fears they won't be believed, that they'll be blamed or that they didn't know how to approach police.
Campaigners hope the political interest in the issue will drive forward change - at a time when people are heading out for the festive season.
Change in focus on spiking needed
Verity Nevitt from The Gemini Project told heat radio: "So often when we talk about spiking we talk about drink covers and it's always about victims changing their behaviour to stop being spiked.
"But that's not how we should be looking at this issue, it should be targeted at offenders to stop their behaviour.
"There's not a specific offence (for spiking) so it's very unlikely they'll be held to account under the law. I don't think they understand the severity of victim impacts.
"They aren't just the next day, the impacts the victims feel can be years long."
The Home Office insists Police do have the powers to prosecute spiking, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison.
Verity has this advice for anyone heading out for the festive season: "Because of the substances that are being used it's very difficult for a victim to realise they are being spiked.
"So it's so important for people to be looking out for each other and just be very aware of their surroundings and who they are surrounded by."
More on our Spiked investigation
A Home Office spokesperson told our #Spiked investigation: ""Spiking is a cowardly act which this government takes very seriously.
“Our priority is ensuring that victims receive the support they need and perpetrators of this crime are brought to justice.”
Find out more about our #SPIKED investigation, including a list of support services here.