The University of Victoria has issued a warning after receiving reports of students having their drinks spiked at “off-campus events.”
The university said in a post to its website that it’s offering support to anyone directly affected by the incidents.
In an email, the university said it can’t share more information about the situation. It did not answer questions about what events the message refers to.
Isabelle Easton, director of campaigns and community relations at the University of Victoria Students’ Society, commended UVic for issuing the warning, as well as those who reported the situation to the university.
Easton said spiking of drinks is not uncommon. “The unfortunate reality is that the fear of situations like this is already very real, especially for women and young women on campuses.”
Christine Richardson, pilot co-ordinator for Good Night Out in Victoria, which works to promotes safety in the nightlife scene, said drink-spiking comes in waves and can be used to render someone incapacitated and unable to consent to sexual activity.
Drink-spiking forces someone to put a substance in their body that they’re not consenting to, Richardson said.
The choice to report drink-spiking is “deeply personal,” but the sooner someone decides to connect with a health professional, the easier it is to detect, Richardson said.
The organization has been on post-secondary campuses during the start of the semester to ensure students get home safe after a night out.
On campuses, September through mid-October is considered the “red zone,” when the majority of sexual assaults during the school year occur, Richardson said.
Red flags that may indicate predatory behaviour include pressuring others to drink faster or consume stronger drinks, targeting the most visibly intoxicated person, trying to get an incapacitated person alone and flirting with someone who is in need of care, she said.
Saanich police said they are aware of the university’s message but no incidents have been reported to the department.
The department said anyone who thinks their drink may have been tampered with is encouraged to report it to police.
Victoria police said it has no active investigations related to UVic’s warning, but recognizes incidents of sexualized violence, which includes drink-spiking, are underreported.
“It takes an immense amount of courage to report these offences,” a VicPD spokesperson said.
The department encourages anyone who notices suspicious activity around their drinks to contact police.
“Our message to anyone that has been a victim continues to be, we believe you and are here to support you.”
The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre provides help to recent survivors of sexual assault, including accompaniment to hospital and support connecting with police.
The service can be accessed by calling 1-888-494-3888 and requesting to speak with a sexual assault support worker or by visiting Victoria General Hospital or a police station in Greater Victoria.
