Staying safe in silly season
Drink spiking statistics in New Zealand are minimal, as is safety in many hospitality venues. Yet many women in New Zealand will have, or know of someone who has, experienced an incident along those lines.
End-of-year work dos, pre- and post-Christmas catch-ups with friends and family, and celebratory events – it’s likely you have several of these on your calendar for the coming months. Hospitality venues are becoming increasingly aware of safety needs, and most are making strides in safeguarding their guests. Still, you, and your personal awareness, are your best protector.
Together with Christchurch restaurant Manu, Metropol is driving the fight towards a world where women can enjoy celebrations and occasions without fear. Karen Hattaway, restaurateur and founder of Manu, is shining light on the drink-spiking issue, and implementing proactive measures to protect women within her establishment. “With drink spiking on the rise in New Zealand and anecdotal evidence showing many women feel unsafe in spaces where they should feel secure, it’s vital to remain vigilant, especially as we approach the silly season,” Karen explains.
As part of her mission to foster safety and awareness, Manu offers free Angel Wing Drink Protector caps. These reusable innovative caps, available at the Cambridge Terrace venue, stretch to fit glasses ranging from 8–11cm, providing a practical solution to help reduce the risk of drink spiking. Karen’s commitment reflects her dedication to empowering women and creating a safer environment in Christchurch, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time out with peace of mind.
- Stick with your friends or the group you came with. If you enter a venue together, you leave together. Simple.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and perhaps flick a text to a friend or family member of where you are heading in advance.
- Watch for changes in your drink. Excess fizziness, discolouration, cloudiness, and a change in taste can all be indicators your drink has been spiked. However, like anything, these drugs and their perpetrators are becoming sneakier, and sometimes no change will appear at all.
- Keep your drink near you or ask a trusted friend to watch it when going to the bathroom.
- Consume food alongside your alcohol, and stick to the recommended legal limit.
- Keep a Manu drink cover in your handbag, plus a few for your friends. Use these whenever you’re out to avoid unwanted tampering with your drink.
If you suspect an alcohol or drug-assisted sexual assault, call the police (111) immediately.
