For our latest safety information, see the Be Safe, Feel Safe booklet below.
- Safety information from New Zealand Police (PDF 818KB)
Alcohol contributes to social harm in our communities. Excessive drinking can impair your judgment, making you vulnerable to committing an offence or becoming a victim of crime. Alcohol is the most common drug used to assist sexual assault. Someone could also add a drug to your drink without you knowing, an action called drink spiking. This is rare, but it can happen.
If you are going out to a pub, club or party, think ahead, avoid risky situations and keep yourself and your friends safe. There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, such as:
- Make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out
- If you are planning on drinking, then it’s a good idea to have something substantial to eat before you start drinking
- Plan how you're getting home at the end of your night
- Always take cash or an eftpos card just in case you need to pay for transport home
- Don't wander off from your friends when out and about. It’s easy to lose people in clubs so always let your friends know where you're going
- Have a place to meet up with your friends if you get separated
- Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink
- Be aware of the risk of drink spiking - don’t leave your drink unattended or accept any drinks that you haven't personally seen poured, especially from strangers
- Make sure you’re going home with the same number of people you started with. Look after your friends
- Keep to main streets and well-lit areas
- Save a taxi number into your phone
If you suspect an alcohol or drug-assisted sexual assault
Contact your local police station, or in an emergency call 111.