Sexual Violence Centre Cork appeal for new legistlation on spiking

Hannah Kate Costello

Vapes are being tampered with to spike people on nights out, according to the Sexual Violence Centre in Cork. They want new legislation on spiking, saying the current laws are unclear.

Last year, 58 incidents of adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without their knowledge, often to intoxicate or harm them, were recorded by gardaí.

Cork Sexual Violence Centre spokesperson Mary Crilly says that's just the tip of the iceberg.

"We were very involved in the stalking campaign, for example, and once stalking became a stand-alone crime, more people reported it, more people go for court orders, and the gardas can now count better because it is a stand-alone crime."

"Really what I am asking is for us all to work together to change this, to get testing in place, and if someone says they were spiked, take them seriously."