‘The Issue is Not Specific to Bendigo’: Trailblazing Research Calling on Victim-Survivors to Share Their Stories on Drink Spiking

 

 

A team of researchers from La Trobe University Bendigo are calling on victims of drink spiking to come forward and share their stories. 

 

The locally-based research project has received a $265,000 state government crime prevention innovation grant this year to tackle the problem.

 

The university’s Rural Health School started its study into drink spiking across the Greater Bendigo region in late June and is expected to be completed by mid-2024.

 

Project lead, associate professor, Leesa Hooker said there’s a lack of research on drink spiking in rural and regional parts of the country.

 

“Drink spiking is not well understood; its prevalence, the lived experience of victim-survivors, and what works to keep them safe,” associate professor Hooker said. 

 

“The issue is not specific to Bendigo, but a number of previously reported cases in the region make it an important place to begin addressing the issue in Victoria.”

 

Victorian government minister for crime prevention Anthony Carbines said it’s hoped the important project will deliver real solutions.

 

We’re already seeing communities make so much positive change through the first round of Building Safer Communities grants, and it’s great to see more projects come to life through this second round of funding.”