I am concerned by the reports of women being drugged via drinks or needles in nightclubs and elsewhere.
While it is the case that it is difficult to make an assessment on the prevalence of spiking by injection at this stage, the concerns of women across the country are real and we must ensure that safety in and around nightclubs is taken seriously.
That is why I am encouraged that the Home Secretary has requested an urgent update from police on investigations into reports of women who may have been spiked. It is vital that this behaviour is reported to the police.
More broadly, I welcome the publication of the tackling violence against women and girls strategy to ensure women and girls are safe everywhere. The strategy will increase support for victims and survivors, increase the number of perpetrators brought to justice and to reduce the prevalence of violence against women and girls in the long-term.
A number of measures in the strategy are focused on practical action to increase physical safety in public places. This includes a £5 Million ‘Safety of Women at Night’ Fund, in addition to the Safer Streets Fund, that focuses on the prevention of violence against women and girls in public spaces at night, including in the night-time economy.
I will continue to monitor the situation and reports of this violence and will engage with Ministers to ensure that nightclubs are doing enough to ensure women can safely enjoy the night-time economy.
DS.