The Spike Reportwas designed by two students from the University of Leeds and has already received over 160 reports of drink spiking and injectations.
After a reported increase in drink spiking and injections, affecting a disproportionate number of women on nights out, two Leeds students have created an innovative way of measuring reports.
The Spike Report is a community-led spiking database designed "to help keep you and your mates safe" by The Egalitarian, a gender equality publication.
The easy-to-navigate website allows anyone to report their experience of drink spiking and their experience, including the location in which the incident happened, in order to help others make informed choices about where they feel safe.
Writers from The Egalitarian, Elysia O'Neill and Della Claydon, felt it was important for others to know where these drink spiking incidents are taking place so that others can make informed choices.
They noted that there was nothing like this in place and started what they believe to be the first Spike Report in the UK.
"After recent incidents, we realised there was no viewable database on spikings in the UK. You can report an incident to the police, but you can’t view what others have reported."
The database has already received over 160 reports from varying locations in the UK, but largely within the north of England.
Reports are kept anonymous online to protect the identity of those reporting a spiking incident, but names and emails are retained to verify accounts.
Words of solidarity have flooded in online for those that have shared their stories on the platform:
"These break my heart because so many of them end in someone questioning themselves and whether it really happened. We've literally been taught to take responsibility for someone else's actions and shamed into gaslighting ourselves. These kinds of stories are so powerful".
The Spike Report comes after Leeds students made national headlines by organising Girls Night In, a protest against drink spiking and violence on nights out.
As a result of the protest, bars and clubs around Leeds city centre have changed their security policies to increase searches and create a safer environment for everyone.
The Spike Report will continue to track incidents, but they also hope to hold virtual events online in the future.
It is hoped that by giving a voice to those affected by drink spiking, the public will be able to identify if someone has been subjected to this crime and help to prevent incidents from occurring in the future.
To view the anonymous submissions or report a spiking incident, the page can be found on The Egalitarian here.
Get ready to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean as Jerk Junction is gearing up to open in Leeds.
The street food favourite has made waves in the foodie scene over in Manchester and Liverpool, so it's only right that its making its way into Trinity Kitchen.
Jerk Junction specialises in authentic Caribbean flavours, from dumplings and jerk chicken to curried goat and rice and peas, it's all flame-grilled and packed with island spices.
It is expected to open this spring.
Image: The Manc Group
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Jerk Junction to Trinity Kitchen and we’re sure it will prove very popular. Bringing an authentic Caribbean flavour to Leeds, it’s the perfect new addition and complements our already stellar line-up of street food vendors.”
Jake Shaffi, founder at Jerk Junction, said: “Jerk Junction is all about real Caribbean food and culture. Everything we do is rooted in Jamaican tradition, from bold spices and authentic cooking to dishes that bring people together.
“For us, food is family. From our kitchen to every person who comes to our counter, we want people to feel the warmth, the energy and the spirit of the islands. We can’t wait to bring those authentic flavours and good vibes to Trinity Kitchen.”
The announcement follows news that the UK’s largest independent boutique bowling brand Lane7, and footwear retailers schuh and Footasylum, would be opening at Trinity Leeds later this year, whilst the LEGO Store will be relocating to a larger space within the shopping centre.
Posting to their social media, The Maven said: "When news broke The Maven could close its doors at the end of March, the reaction across the city was immediate. The response from customers, bartenders, and hospitality operators showed just how much this bar means to Leeds.
"For nearly 15 years, The Maven has been one of the city’s most loved cocktail destinations and a true institution within the local bar scene.
"When we told you about its potential closure we were flooded with support and interest from across the hospitality community. In the days that followed, several Leeds-based operators stepped forward with genuine offers to buy the venue and keep the bar alive.
"At a time when our industry is too often filled with stories of closures, today brings a little hope - a story about a community stepping up to protect something it values.
"The reports that The Maven would close at the end of March are now firmly in the past: The Maven Lives.
"Thanks to the passion of the Leeds hospitality community and the loyalty of its guests, the bar will continue to be part of the city’s nightlife story. More details about the next chapter for The Maven will be shared soon."
Sophie Smith -
8th November 2021 
