On Friday, 7th March, our CEO and Founder, Dawn Dines, took to the stage at the West Country Women’s Awards International Women’s Day Event at the Crowne Plaza, sharing her powerful message in the fight against spiking-related crimes. This prestigious event was a celebration of women’s achievements, resilience, and contributions to society, and it provided the perfect platform to shine a light on the ongoing battle against spiking related crimes.
Dawn’s segment was both informative and impactful, equipping attendees with vital knowledge and practical tools to protect themselves and others from the threat of spiking. With nearly two decades of dedication to tackling this issue, Dawn highlighted how Stamp Out Spiking is making a tangible difference—through education, advocacy, and legislative change.
The Fight Against Spiking Crimes
During her talk, Dawn discussed the critical need for greater awareness and education, particularly among young people, venue staff, law enforcement and key emergency services. She emphasised the importance of recognising the signs of spiking, understanding the impact it has on victims, and knowing what actions to take if an incident occurs. By providing practical advice, Dawn empowered attendees to be more vigilant and to look out for one another on nights out.
A Powerful Message on International Women’s Day
The West Country Women’s Awards International Women’s Day Event was a fitting occasion for this important discussion. This annual celebration brings together inspirational women from all walks of life, recognising their contributions and promoting gender equality. However, as Dawn pointed out, true equality cannot be achieved while women still face threats to their safety.
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) remains a significant issue worldwide, and spiking-related crimes are a major part of that conversation. Too many women have had their nights stolen, their trust broken, and their voices silenced by this horrific crime. But through awareness, education, and collective action, we can change that.
Dawn’s speech was met with overwhelming support, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for the work that Stamp Out Spiking is doing. The event reinforced the importance of standing together, amplifying women’s voices, and continuing the fight for safety and justice.
Moving Forward: What Can You Do?
Dawn left attendees with a clear message—change is possible, but it requires collective effort. She encouraged everyone to:
🔹 Educate themselves and others about the dangers of spiking and how to prevent it.
🔹 Support campaigns that push for better safety measures in venues, universities, and workplaces.
🔹 Call out unacceptable behaviour and stand in solidarity with victims.
🔹 Donate or fundraise to help Stamp Out Spiking continue its vital work.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the progress that has been made while recognising that there is still work to do. With dedicated advocates like Dawn Dines and organisations like Stamp Out Spiking leading the charge, we move closer to a world where everyone can feel safe on a night out, free from the fear of spiking.
Together, we can create a future where safety is a right, not a privilege.