Judith has today called on the Prime Minister to take further action to protect victims of spiking and bring perpetrators to justice.
Currently, just 1 in 400 cases of spiking that are reported to the police result in a criminal charge.
Successful prosecution relies on having sufficient evidence to mount a case but, for spiking victims, that vital forensic evidence is often not captured quickly enough.
Questioning Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at PMQs today, Judith highlighted that there was no consistent policy to provide testing for victims of spiking when they arrive in hospital:
“The NHS does not have a uniform policy for the screening of suspected victims of spiking at A&E. We can pass all the laws we want in this place, but to achieve justice, this forensic evidence is vital.”
“Will the Prime Minister commit to ensuring that hospital emergency departments have a statutory obligation to take forensic samples from these victims?”
Responding, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed that spiking is an ‘appalling and violating crime’ saying: “We want to make sure that the existing laws recognise the threat that spiking poses. I’ll make sure that we look into the issue that she raises and write back to her.”
While some drugs used in spiking can remain detectable for several days, others can leave the body within 12 hours, or even sooner.
Speaking afterwards, Judith highlighted the importance of speed in supporting survivors:
“The very nature of the horrific crime of spiking means that essential forensic evidence can leave the body in the matter of hours. The sooner this evidence is collected, the better the chance that the vile perpetrators of this crime can be prosecuted with the full force of the law.”
Judith added: “We need a clear pathway that supports people from the very moment spiking is suspected to ensure they get the justice they deserve. We need action, not words to tackle the scourge of spiking.”
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