Colleagues across the University will be aware of increased reports of ‘spiking’ attacks in cities across the UK, including Nottingham. These reports are extremely concerning and part of a pattern of violence against women that the university and Students’ Union condemn and will not tolerate.

The university and Students’ Union are continuing to work closely with Nottinghamshire Police and the city’s nightlife providers to identify further action to make venues more secure and challenge the behaviours which lead to such criminal and misogynistic actions.

Nottinghamshire Police have a team dedicated to the investigation of these reports and will deploy more officers to patrol the city centre during the evenings to ensure that venues and people on a night out are safe.

Advice for students

The University is communicating regularly with students to provide advice and updates on police action. Please read and share the latest information published at current students.

The responsibility for spiking lies solely with the perpetrators, and it is never a victim’s fault if they are spiked on a night out. Our priority is to keep our community safe and identify the people responsible.

Anyone who has been a victim of spiking should report it to the Police as soon as possible. Anyone who is a victim of – or witnesses – harassment of any kind, whether on or off campus, can report it and/or seek support using our Report and Support service.

Education and sexual consent

Next week is Sexual Consent Awareness Week at the University of Nottingham where we are encouraging all students to find out more about how we can make our community a safer, more supportive space.

For more information, please visit the University’s Safety in The City webpages. If students need support or are affected by anything mentioned in this statement, there are many services available including Nottingham Nightline, Victim Support UK and TogetherAll – full details are published on the HealthyU webpages.