What were you wearing? Sexual violence organisation wants nightclub and bar staff to be trained on drink spiking

By ABHA HAVAL

A Newcastle based non-for-profit is appealing to NSW Parliament for bars and nightclubs to undergo mandatory training for staff and security members on drink spiking and sexual assault. 

The petition was launched by the non-for-profit organisation urging the NSW Government to implement training programs for drink spiking and sexual violence prevention to raise awareness against such crimes. 

What Were You Wearing Australia (WWYW) is an advocacy group for survivors of sexual violence with several successful campaigns since its foundation in 2021. WWYW fights for the rights of victims and protests to raise awareness and bring changes to these issues. 

 

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WWYW aims to collaborate with local night clubs and venues regarding drink spiking, and reduce the stigma placed on victims of sexual assault with mandatory trauma informed training to ensure that the signs and symptoms of spiking are not ignored. 

According to Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), one-third of the drink spiking incidents result in sexual assault, with less than one-sixth of such cases being reported to the police. 

WWYW asks for the community to support the petition 

The petition requires 20,000 signatures by May 25 to make it on the table for debate at the Legislative Assembly. 

WWYW founder Sarah Williams said, “The training program for drink spiking and sexual violence prevention, response, and reporting will be developed in consultation with industry stakeholders, and experts in the field, as well as survivors. 

“I believe it’s a matter of high importance. We cannot ignore the serious and growing problem of drink spiking and sexual violence in those premises”. 

Sarah believes that this a critical step towards creating safer and more inclusive communities for all. 

“These incidents are not only having a devastating impact on the individuals involved, but also have wider implications for public safety and community well-being”, she said. 

NSW Police Force aims to educate with a safe drinking campaign

The Crime prevention command has launched a ‘Drink Safe’ campaign in collaboration with the NSW Police Force with an introduction of new drink covers and coasters to support the cause and promote safe drinking at licensed venues.  

Drink spiking is a criminal offence and carries a sentence of maximum two years of imprisonment and/or a $11,000 fine in NSW. 

Corporate sponsor for Alcohol-related crime, Assistant Commissioner Brent Mcfadden said, “In cases where a drink is spiked and another indictable offence occurs, such as sexual assault, the offence carries a much higher penalty”. 

The NSW Police say that they have seen an increase in reports on drink spiking, although, the number of actual incidents on drink spiking remain low. 

Police adviss anyone who suspects of their drinks being spiked to seek immediate medical attention, and in life-threatening situations, to contact Triple Zero.