A recent, significant change in law on spiking has come about as a direct result of campaigning in Devon.
Stamp Out Spiking is a national charity founded by Devon-based campaigner Dawn Dines, who has led sustained efforts to improve awareness, reporting and legal protections around spiking. There are clear links between alcohol-related harm, spiking, and violence against women and girls, and this work forms part of a wider approach to addressing those risks.
The Commissioner has welcomed Dawn’s efforts to tackle this issue, and has awarded a Community Safety Grant to Stamp Out Spiking to strengthen prevention and response work across Devon and Cornwall.
Watch the video below for information about what to do if you think you’ve been spiked.
Funding is supporting the delivery of targeted training to improve both prevention and response. This includes sessions for security staff, trade unions and students, as well as work with universities across the region, including the University of Exeter, Falmouth University and the University of Plymouth. The training focuses on early identification of spiking, practical response, and building confidence among those most likely to encounter incidents.
This activity comes alongside a significant change in legislation. The Crime and Policing Act 2026 has introduced a specific criminal offence of administering a harmful substance without consent, including spiking. This provides greater clarity in law and reflects the long-standing campaigning work led by Stamp Out Spiking.
Despite this progress, spiking remains under-reported. Local data shows that incidents continue to be recorded across Devon and Cornwall, and national evidence indicates that many victims still choose not to report. Improving awareness, confidence and reporting is therefore a key priority.
The Commissioner continues to support a coordinated approach, working with partners, venues and communities to strengthen prevention, encourage early reporting, and ensure appropriate responses when incidents occur.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of spiking is encouraged to seek help immediately and report the incident to Devon & Cornwall Police by calling 101.
For more information about the charity, visit Stamp Out Spiking.
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