Max HeyraudSpiking and cuckooing will officially become criminal offences in Northern Ireland, following new legislative moves announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long. The changes will be made via legislative consent motions that extend parts of the UK Government’s Crime and Policing Bill to Northern Ireland.
“Spiking is a despicable act that leaves victims feeling violated, vulnerable and confused,” said Minister Long. “Whilst spiking can happen to anyone, it is predominantly an attack against women and girls, and one which often goes unreported. I hope by making spiking an offence, it provides additional reassurance and protections to women and girls and will give victims the courage to report attacks to the PSNI.”
Spiking, where substances are surreptitiously added to someone’s drink or injected into their body without consent, has drawn increasing concern across the UK, particularly in nightlife settings. Campaigners have long called for tougher legislation and clearer routes for victims to report the crime.
In addition to spiking, the legislation will also make cuckooing a specific offence. Cuckooing refers to a form of exploitation in which criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person, often for drug trafficking or other illegal activities.
While spiking is set to become a criminal offence in Northern Ireland, no such specific legislation currently exists in the Republic of Ireland. Although existing laws around assault or administering harmful substances can sometimes be applied, campaigners have long criticised the lack of a dedicated offence, which they argue hampers reporting, prosecutions, and victim support.
