- New research released today reveals alarming statistics about the prevalence of drink spiking among young adults. According to the findings, a staggering 70% of 18–24-year-olds have either experienced or witnessed drink spiking, with over half of females (51%) and 69% of LGBTQ+ individuals affected.
Despite this widespread occurrence, incidents of drink spiking are severely underreported. An alarming 87% of victims choose not to report their experiences to the police, citing reasons such as insufficient evidence (48%), believing it was too late to report after the incident (38%), and concerns about no action being taken (27%).
The research also revealed that 82% of victims would be more likely to report incidents to the police if spiking were explicitly illegal.
This revelation comes at a crucial time as the government moves to modernise spiking laws, to make clear spiking is a crime. However, awareness of these legislative efforts remains low. 86% surveyed did not know there was not a specific law to convict against spiking, and less than a third were aware of the proposed amendments to the criminal justice bill. Only 17% think the new legislation goes far enough.
Six in ten respondents advocated for enhanced training for venue staff, and greater education regarding spiking awareness. Only 11% of victims reported receiving supportive assistance from venue staff, while 65% expressed uncertainty about the appropriate course of action upon realising spiking had occurred.
LADBible have also teamed up with Capital Xtra host Jourdan, a victim of spiking, to create a satirical sketch based on people’s experiences when they leave their drinks unattended in bars that encourages people to use StopTopps, versatile drink-protectors designed to deter drink spikers.
Emily Driscoll, Head of Data, Intelligence & Planning at LADbible Group, said: " The results of this research highlight the urgent need for greater education, awareness, and action to address the concerning prevalence of drink spiking, especially amongst Gen Z. As a business, we are committed to using the scale and reach of our platforms, which reaches nearly six in ten 18–24-year-olds in the UK, to raise awareness and advocate for change to ensure the safety and well-being among young adults.”
Dawn Dines CEO and founder of Stamp Out Spiking stated: "We are delighted to be working with LADBible. Here at Stamp Out Spiking we firmly believe key safeguarding education is urgently needed to ensure the safety of partygoers across the UK. The numbers speak for themselves, with 60% of LADbible followers supporting our mission, advocating for advanced training for venue staff and greater education regarding spiking awareness. How astonishing that only such a small number of people (1 in 10) are getting the help they need from venue staff, when an incident of spiking occurs. Stamp Out Spiking welcomes this key collaboration with LADbible. Thank you for giving us a voice."
The research was commissioned by LADbible Group and conducted through its consumer youth panel LADnation - a consumer youth panel consisting of over 55,000 Gen Z’s and Millennials. It contributes to a broader campaign: "End Spiking Now" advocating for speaking out against spiking incidents, including the original series 'Survivors of Spiking: Our Stories', which sheds light on the realities of the spiking epidemic.
Cloe Ambrose, Head of Brand Marketing at LADbible Group, said: "We are committed to using the scale and reach of our platforms, which reaches six in ten 18–24-year-olds in the UK, to raise awareness on the concerning prevalence of drink spiking, especially among Gen Z. We are proud to partner with Stamp Out Spiking and with them, drive as many people as possible to anonymously submit their survivor accounts, which will then be used to try and change the law to help make spiking a specific criminal offence. We hope this campaign advocates for change to ensure the safety and well-being among young adults”.
Support Stamp Out Spiking by submitting your story here.