Spiking: Why are people boycotting bars and nightclubs in the North West?
The last few weeks have shone a light on the shocking number of people - particularly women - spiked on nights out across the UK.
Incidents are alleged to have occurred in the North West, with one man, Dale Garlick, 29, appearing at Tameside Magistrates' Court today (Wednesday 27 October).
Greater Manchester Police say Garlick has been charged with the alleged raping of a woman following a night out in Tameside in September.
Students in the region have joined a national movement to take a stand.
They are boycotting nightclubs as they seek action over the high number of spiking incidents.
They say they "don't feel safe" and are calling for more awareness, extra club surveillance and other preventative measures against drink and needle spiking.
The first nightclub boycott was held in Exeter on Monday, while Durham, Liverpool, Leicester and Aberystwyth's took place on Tuesday (26 Oct).
Ahead of a protest on Wednesday (27 Oct) in Manchester, the movement submitted a letter to Mayor Andy Burnham and other council leaders outlining measures they would like them to meet.
The measures include:
Staff trained on how to deal with disclosures and there are designated people who will deal with spiking and harassment every night.
Spiking victims are not removed from the venue and the club / bar is responsible for their safety and medical treatment
All CCTV and lighting is functioning correctly
Serena Jemmett, a university student and organiser of the Manchester protest, says if we're going to prevent spiking it comes down to education.
Elizabeth was spiked on a night out in Manchester. She was out with a group from work and says woke up in A&E with no memory of how she got there.
Emily, who was also drugged on a night out in Manchester, is joining the protest on Wednesday.
Speaking to Granada Reports she said 'victim-blaming' is a problem when it comes to spiking and believes we should be addressing the root cause.
"We shouldn't be telling people to change their actions in order to try and avoid being drugged", Emily said.
"What we should be telling people is that 'men do not spike the drinks of women. Do not go out with the intention of drugging someone else.'"
Emily noticed that he drink was fizzing on a night out in Manchester - she knew immediately that she had been spiked.
In a statement, Bev Hughes, the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: "Nobody should be made to feel threatened, unsafe or intimidated and Greater Manchester Police works hard to keep people safe."
She added: "A hard-hitting campaign was being developed to challenge behaviours and attitudes and prevent sexual violence and harassment.'
The #GirlsNightIn protest will take place at 7pm at St Peter's Square in Manchester.
If you or one of your friends are on a night out and start to have a different than normal reaction to alcohol, then you may have been spiked.