- Get help from a trusted friend or a member of staff at the venue. Many venues in Durham have trained welfare staff.
- Seek medical advice.
- If you are seriously unwell, someone you trust should take you to your nearest A&E department; otherwise call 111 or consult your GP.
- If you suspect spiking by injection, ask about testing for infections such as hepatitis and HIV.
- Please note that GPs and A&E do not offer toxicology tests and will only perform tests for the presence of drugs when it is necessary to determine medical treatment.
- Report to the Police (Durham Constabulary). Call 999 if at risk or 101 if in a place of safety. For further information on how the Police can help, visit their website: durham.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/spiking-advice/spiking/what-to-do-if-someone-has-spiked-you/#Medical
- Go to a safe place. The Hub at St Nicholas’ Church in Durham Market Plac is open on Friday and Saturday evenings 8pm until 3am, plus Wednesday nights during Michaelmas Term. The facility is staffed by support workers who can provide assistance or simply offer a safe place for people to wait for friends or the police if a crime has taken place.
- Report to the University through the Report + Support tool to access support from your College Student Support Team and specialist services. The University will contact you to discuss your report and support options further before taking any action.
- If you have been subjected to rape or sexual assault (or other forms of sexual violence), you have additional options:
- The Meadows Sexual Assault Referral Centre offers specialist advice, support, counselling, sexual health screening referrals, confidential forensic medical examination and the support of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). You can approach them in confidence, whether or not you wish to make a formal report to the Police or University. To request an appointment, call 0330 223 0099 or visit the Sexual Assault Referral Centre website.
- You can report directly to the Police if you prefer.
- County Durham Sexual Health Services can provide vaccines and screening for sexually transmitted infections and diseases: cddft.nhs.uk/services/sexual-health
- Additional information on reporting and support options can be found on this page or through the Report + Support tool. Specialist case managers are available to speak with you.
- For information on all support services at Durham University and how to access them, visit the Student Support Hub.