A YOUNG woman has been left “too scared to go out” after she was allegedly spiked during a night out in Salisbury.
Her mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, now wants to raise awareness about these types of incidents, urging the city’s nighttime economy to ramp up its safety measures.
She said her daughter had gone to some pubs and bars in the city with friends on February 5, but just 45 minutes after entering the Chapel Nightclub, she “had fallen in a heap on to the floor and was taken to hospital the next morning”.
“She was out of it and can’t remember what happened, her vision was blurred and her body was just tensing up,” she added.
Unsure if the alleged spiking was caused by drink or needle, she said: “We can’t do anything else without more evidence.”
According to the mother, the hospital said that her daughter “had more than likely been spiked”.
Police are now investigating what happened, and the family is waiting for more information from nighttime venues and CCTV footage.
The mother added: “My daughter was lucky because her partner was there, but you don’t know what could have happened. These incidents can kill you.
"She's just too scared to go out now."
Regarding drink safety, The Chapel says free bottle stoppers and glass covers are some of the measures already in force, as well as regular staff training.
Amanda Newbery of The Chapel added: “I think the main thing is that we need as much information as possible from people so that we can act.
“It’s about making women safe ultimately and we will work with our customers, other venues and the police to do that the best we can.”
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “A woman reported that she felt unwell after attending the venue and was taken to hospital the following morning.
“We are carrying out extensive enquiries in relation to this report and anyone with information is urged to call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220013048.
“It is important that if you believe you have been the victim of having your drink spiked, that you report it so we can investigate, spot any patterns of behaviour and act on it to prevent it.”
Compulsory lids on cups, undercover security and more floor staff were just some of the measures the mother suggested to support women’s safety in clubs.
She said: “We all think Salisbury is safe and we don’t think these things happen here, but we need young women to be aware of circumstances around them and what can happen.”
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