As someone who has endured the devastating physical, emotional, and psychological effects of drink spiking, I can personally attest to the profound and lasting trauma it inflicts. The experience is not just about waking up disoriented or feeling unwell—it is about the overwhelming sense of violation, the fear of the unknown, and the crippling anxiety that follows. The night I was spiked, I lost complete control over my body, my memory, and my ability to protect myself. I was left vulnerable, scared, and unsure of what had happened to me. The emotional toll of that night still lingers, manifesting in anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and a deep distrust of social environments that were once sources of joy.

Sadly, my story is not unique.

The harsh reality is that drink spiking is a heinous and underreported crime in Australia. According to a report prepared by the Australian Institute of Criminology in 2004, as many as 3,000 cases of drink spiking may have gone unreported each year (Source: Australian Institute of Criminology). Given that this report is now over two decades old, it is highly likely that the true number is significantly higher today. Research conducted by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine in 2019 found that over 50% of drink spiking victims in Australia are women under the age of 24, yet due to low reporting rates, these numbers barely scratch the surface of the real crisis at hand.

Drink spiking is not just an issue of personal safety; it is a public health and criminal justice failure. Studies indicate that up to 80% of victims do not report their cases to the police due to fear, shame, or the belief that they will not be taken seriously. Many who do come forward face skepticism, a lack of evidence due to delayed testing, and an overall failure of the system to provide justice. Worse still, a 2023 study published in the Medical Journal of Australia highlighted that over 90% of suspected drink spiking cases go without toxicology confirmation leaving victims without proof and perpetrators without consequence.

The Australian government must take immediate action to address this growing epidemic. We demand:

1. A comprehensive, government-funded study to investigate the current prevalence, impact, and underreporting of drink spiking in Australia.
2. Stronger legal and law enforcement measures, including mandatory drink spiking toxicology testing in suspected cases and harsher penalties for perpetrators.
3. A nationwide public awareness campaign to educate people on the dangers, signs, and proper reporting procedures for drink spiking incidents.
4. Increased funding for support services including crisis centers, legal aid, and mental health resources specifically for drink spiking survivors.

We cannot continue to let this crime slip under the radar. It is time for change.

Your signature will send a message to the Australian government that we demand a safer environment for all citizens. Please sign this petition and join the fight against drink spiking in Australia.