Drink Spiking is a complex and increasing social trend. The debate regarding possible legislative reform in South Australia to include a simple ‘drink spiking offence’ continues to be discussed and researched.

Through the Catherine Helen Spence Memorial Scholarship, Melanie Jones has undertaken a specific study to investigate and push for legislative change in South Australia to include a criminal offence in the South Australian Criminal Law Consolidation Act.

Melanie is analysing current South Australian legislation and looking at any current adequacies that can be recommended for charging of an offence of drink spiking; and the deficiencies that exist that highlight the need for inclusion of a new offence.

The aim of her project is to submit a Cabinet proposal including recommendations for legislative reform. Melanie would like to contact victims of drink spiking in order to gain further appreciation and opinion regarding issues such as education in the community and reporting of offences to police and medical professionals.

Melanie invites anyone who has experienced drink spiking either personally or through knowledge of someone who has been affected to contact Melanie Jones at drinkspiking@hotmail.com