Gardai in Dublin are investigating a report of a woman in her 20s being spiked on a night out, possibly by injection with a needle.
She became disorientated while in a city centre nightclub on Sunday and woke up with bruises, possibly caused by a needle prick, the next day.
It follows reports of dozens of similar incidents in the UK over recent weeks.
Nightlife
Meanwhile, UCD Students’ Union has warned students and young people to be vigilant as they re-engage with Dublin nightlife, following reports of a growth in the number of people experiencing drink spiking or spiking via injection in bars and nightclubs across parts of the UK and Ireland.
Following the lifting of most COVID-19 restrictions on late bars and clubs, the Union issued posts across its social media channels over the long weekend and yesterday afternoon, in order to highlight the signs that could mean someone potentially has been the victim of a spiking, or that someone’s drink has been tampered with. As has been highlighted elsewhere on campuses in Ireland and parts of the UK, the Union has heard reports from students about potential instances of spiking during the first semester.
We have all heard the reports of a surge in spiking in Ireland and the UK.
Above all else, we want you to be safe, take a look at our graphic for info on some potential signs of spiking.
See also, HSE guidance if you have been spiked - https://t.co/1swHWW6zME pic.twitter.com/2dIWIIuvjP— UCD Students' Union (@UCDSU) October 26, 2021
Speaking on behalf of UCDSU, Molly Greenough, Welfare Officer said: "It’s incredibly disheartening to see the rise in reported cases of spiking across Ireland and the UK. It is vital to emphasise that the onus never lies on the victim to not be spiked, but rather on the perpetrator to not commit such a heinous crime.
"Still, it’s important that students are equipped with the knowledge to better help them protect themselves and look out for their friends. Finally, and while these can be tough conversations to have, it’s important for those in a position of privilege to safely call out peers on unacceptable behaviours when you see it happening—we can all play a part in developing a culture of consent, compassion, and community."
Niamh Scully, UCDSU’s Gender Equality Campaign Co-ordinator says: "Nightlife opening back up is a really exciting time for everyone, especially students, but we now more than ever have to be aware of the dangers of going out and how we can best look out for each other and have the best experience possible. "There are signs we can look out for if someone has been spiked and knowing these helps us look out for each other and protect victims of these assaults."
The Union says students should consult the HSE guidance if they think that they or a friend has been spiked.
