Students across the UK have come together to support the Girls Night In campaign, which is already getting results. Here in Aberystwyth, the SU are running campaigns, pubs are increasing checks and societies are coming together to provide support.

But there is so much more to do. Some venues haven’t improved their support. Dyfed-Powys Police need to step up. We have also had worrying reports of the first case of spiking by injection here in Aberystwyth. People do not feel safe.

We have three simple demands for the bars, police, the Council and the Government:

TEST STRIPS FOR ALL

• Free at venues throughout town, and to be available at the Union for takeaway use at parties.
• Free bottle stops and cup covers at venues.

MORE RIGOROUS SECURITY CHECKS

• Stricter security checks at venues to stop substances being brought in.
• Increased patrols by the Police, venue and security staff to ensure victims are supported and perpetrators removed.
• Training for venue staff to spot the signs of spiking and be on the look out to prevent incidents.

MORE JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS

• Greater punishment for those that spike drinks in the town and at the University.
• Better support from the SU and wellbeing services.
• Ceredigion Council should work with venues and Dyfed-Powys Police to ensure that all action can be taken to bring spikers to justice, with action taken against venues that don’t improve now.

We all deserve the basic right to go on a night out and not have to fear for our safety.