Drink spiking is NOT a LEGAL act in any state or territory of Australia. It is against the law. Adding any substance to a beverage, unbeknownst to the intended recipient, is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE.
There is no occasion where drink spiking is a harmless PRANK. It is dangerous, illegal and predatory.
- In Victoria, drink spiking is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment, or up to 25 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In New South Wales, drink spiking is punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment, or up to 10 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In Queensland, drink spiking is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, or up to 14 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In Western Australia, drink spiking is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, or up to 14 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In South Australia, drink spiking is punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment, or up to 15 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In Tasmania, drink spiking is punishable by up to 21 years imprisonment, or life imprisonment if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In the Northern Territory, drink spiking is punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment, or up to 14 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
- In the Australian Capital Territory, drink spiking is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, or up to 17 years if it is done with the intention of committing another offence, such as sexual assault.
Drink spiking is a very serious crime that can have severe consequences for both the victim and the offender. It is never okay to spike someone’s drink without their consent. If you suspect that your drink has been spiked, or you witness someone else’s drink being spiked, you should seek help immediately. Contact the police, a sexual assault service or go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for confidential support and advice.
It is estimated that 1/3 of drink spiking instances that are reported, are associated with sexual attack.
It is widely known by medical and law enforcement community that majority of individuals who are spiked and cognisant enough to realise they don’t feel well, attempt to ‘go home’ rather than seek legal/medical help.
PLEASE SEEK HELP! BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT TO RISE AGAINST SPIKING. Be Safe As
MOST DRINK SPIKING IS NOT REPORTED and NEVER becomes a statistic.
Complacency and ignorance are the biggest hazards for consuming beverages in public.
Many substances are used to spike a drink to impact a persons health and wellbeing; recreational drugs, prescription medication, excess alcohol, insulin (particularly harmful to Diabetics).
The most concerning substance in Australia and New Zealand is the growing incidence of GHB spiking. GHB, also known my many other names such as Liquid Fantasy, is a colourless, tasteless and odourless substance that is used recreationally, made and sold illegally, derived from a prescribed substance for treatment of narcolepsy and other neurological disorders. It depressed the Central Nervous System and impairs the ability for an individual under the influence, to have a fight/flight reaction, thus protect themselves from harm or coercion. Victims of GHB spiking are compliant, non-violent, mildly euphoric and generally still considered to be functioning, talkative and mobile. It is a devastating combination that renders the victim unable to protect themselves from unwanted attention or intrusion into their free will.
Unless overdosed; the victim will not lose complete sections of memory also known as blackout or become unconscious or ‘legless’. However, the effect of GHB is very real and serious as an overdose can lead to coma and death within a short period. GHB has an exacerbated impact when an individual is under the influence of other Central Nervous System depressants (this also includes alcohol) such as anti-depressants or muscle relaxants.
Be Safe As’s Tutella is designed to indicate the presence of GHB in any beverage. Use it to detect the most commonly used drug that is otherwise undetectable.
Be Safe As; test the drink, not the body.
Big Love,
Be Safe As