Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI 021-2026
Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Please find our response below.
You asked:
1. The number of recorded incidents of suspected spiking cases from October 2021 – September 2025, broken down by month where possible.
Our response:
Apr 25- 1
May 25- 6
Jun-25- 5
Jul 25- 5
Aug 25- 7
Sept 25- 8
You asked:
2. Where available, provide a breakdown of the information, such as grouped data or percentages:
a. Type of spiking methods – needling, drink spiking, food spiking, vape spiking and any other means
b. Gender – Male, Female, Non-binary, Not disclosed, Other
c. Age group of individuals at the time of alleged spiking –
• Below 18
• 18 to 24
• 25 to 34
• 35 to 44
• 45 and above
d. Setting/location type where spiking took place (bar, nightclub, private residence, university accommodation, others)
Our response:
Gender – Between Apr-Sept 2025 6.25% of clients (n=2) were males. All other clients identified as female (n=30).
Age group – Between Apr-Sept 2025: 18-24 (n=11), 25-34 (n=8), 35-44 (n= 7), 45+ (n=6)
Setting/ Location– this information is not routinely captured.
You asked:
3. Copies of or link to any guidance, protocols, or policies your organisation has for responding to suspected spiking incidents.
Our response:
None held.
You asked:
4. This question is for Sexual Assault Referral Centres — do you accept reports of spiking even if there hasn’t been a sexual assault?
Our response:
We are only able to accept referrals when there has been a disclosure of sexual assault. However, if the individual is experiencing memory loss and sexual assault cannot be ruled out, we can accept a referral and arrange a forensic medical examination where appropriate. If there has been no disclosure of sexual assault, we would instead signpost the individual to the Police or Victim Support
Next steps:
Should you have any queries in relation to our response, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are unhappy with the response you have received in relation to your request and wish to ask us to review our response, you should write to:
Louise Moss
Head of Legal Services / Associate Director of Corporate Governance
c/o Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Edward Jenner Court
1010 Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth, GL3 4AW
E-mail: louise.moss@ghc.nhs.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of any review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice/guidance. Generally, the ICO will not consider your case unless you have exhausted your enquiries with the Trust which should include considering the use of the Trust’s formal complaints procedure. The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.