It’s that time of year when socialising is in full swing. You’re probably looking forward to some nights out, enjoying a chance to catch up with friends over a festive cocktail or two. If you’re single, you might even hope to bag yourself a romantic date over Christmas. But for some people a carefree night out could result in them suffering more than a hangover. An increasing number of people are reporting that their drinks have been spiked and that they’ve been sexually assaulted. Nearly 1 million people in the UK said they’d had their drinks laced last year, and three-quarters (74%) of them were women.
‘Spiking’ can take different forms, whether it be adding extra alcohol or drugs into drinks, or drug-laced vapes being passed around. Some victims have even reported being ‘needle spiked’ – injected with drugs without consent in busy bars and clubs. With authorities warning partygoers to stay vigilant this Christmas, Woman investigates…
‘HE SPIKED MY DRINK AND RAPED ME’
Zoe Rosi, 38, lives in London. Raising my voice over the blaring music, I ordered a large glass of merlot, then turned to smile at the man beside me at the bar. I’d been chatting online to Paul* for weeks, after matching on a dating site. All through December 2017, I’d been out loads during the party season, catching up with work colleagues and friends. Now, I’d found a free night for drinks with Paul at a pub in Woolwich, south London – our first date.
Denne historien er fra December 02, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 02, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN - UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year
Fix a festive FALL-OUT
Had too much of a good thing? Our expert tips will help you feel better quickly
Reunited for CHRISTMAS
After his rocky TV comeback, ts Philrelying on wife Steph this holiday season?
'I don't want a THREE DAY HANGOVER'
Lorraine Kelly on how she’ll be spending her first Christmas as a grandma
Mistletoe AND WINE
All Rose wanted was a little extra sparkle at Christmas
Would you spend more ON THE DOG THAN ON YOUR HUSBAND?
Brits are happy to fork out more on their pets’ gifts than on their other half’s, according to a study. We investigate….
A new ACT OF BETRAYAL
King Charles misses Harry 'desperately' but has the trust gone, writes Emily Andrews
PRINCE ANDREW AND FERGIE ARE EXPECTED FOR CHRISTMAS!
After a tough year for William and Kate, the Waleses are looking forward to Christmas and catching up with the Royal Family – including, it seems, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.
