The most important thing is to try to make sure that someone trusted stays with them until they are home safely and, if possible, until the symptoms have worn off.
If their symptoms seem serious and you think they need urgent medical attention, call 999 to speak to emergency services.
Take care not to ask questions that might make them feel they are to blame for what has happened to them.
Other things you can do to help include:
- Try not to let them drink alcohol or take drugs.
- Try not to let them go home with someone you don’t know or trust.
- If you don’t know them or don’t know them well, try finding their friends or the people they were with.
- If you’re at a pub, bar, club or any other venue, tell staff who work there.
- If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened, you can approach venue staff and ask for ‘Angela’. This is a coded-phrase that indicates you need help and a trained member of staff will support and assist you.
- If you think they may have been sexually assaulted and there is a risk that the perpetrator might still be present, call 999 or ask a staff member to do so.
Signpost to University Support
There is lots of support available at ARU. We have resources and people ready to help you so don't hesitate to reach out to our wellbeing support teams and remember that you're not alone.
- For student wellbeing support options visit our website.
- For staff wellbeing support options visit The Heron.
Campus security and SafeZone app
We're committed to making sure we have a secure and supportive environment for everyone. If you ever feel unsafe or need urgent help on campus, contact our Safety and Security team as soon as possible.
The SafeZone personal safety app is free to download and use, and is the quickest way to get emergency help on campus.
Visit aru.ac.uk/keepsafe
Signpost to Specialist Services
- Drinkaware. More information again on spiking and date rape drugs.
- Stamp Out Spiking and Spike Aware UK are two Government recommended sites around spiking advice and support available
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre if a suspected sexual assault has taken place. Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. Free and Confidential, the SARC can take and keep evidence for if you want to report to the police.
- Rape Crisis England and Wales. Further information is available on spiking, date rape and more.
Reporting options
It's important to respect any reporting decision, including a decision not to report at all. There are a lot of reasons why someone may choose not to report, only they can decide what is best for them.
University
If the perpetrator is a member of the ARU community, your friend or loved one will have the option of submitting a formal report. The first step is for them to consider the 'Share with contact details' option. An advisor can provide your friend or loved one with advice and support on what options are available to make an informed decision.
Police
All forms of spiking are against the law, in which case the person in question can report it to the police.
In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, you should dial 999. Otherwise, you can call 101, report online or visit your local police station to report a crime.
Reporting is a big decision, and all of the support services linked to above can support you with this, if your friend or loved one decides to make a police report.