rhifyn 1142 issue 1142
gair rhydd
28 hydref 2019 28 october 2019
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Cardiff University’s student paper | Established 1972
Students speak out over spiking expereinces Charlotte King Head of News
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n light of a number of students claiming to have had their drinks spiked in Cardiff University Students’ Union, it’s time to question whether people are being spiked on campus and how can students ensure they remain safe when on a night out in the city? Drink spiking is when somebody deliberately puts drugs or alcohol in someone else’s drink without their knowledge or consent. In some cases, drinks are spiked with intent to harm an individual, be it to assault or rape them, for example. Over the past year, various students have alleged that their drinks were spiked on YOLO and Juice club nights in the Students’ Union. Gair Rhydd has spoken to these individuals to find out more about their experiences. One student, Alex*, stated that one evening last year, they decided to attend a Students’ Union club night on a whim, having two drinks before leaving the house. They arrived at the Union, had two more drinks and “just blacked out.” They then reported that their friend had to help them walk home, after which they began to moan in pain and vomit continually. Their friend was concerned about how “out of character” they were acting so phoned an ambulance. Alex claims that the paramedic refused to believe they had been spiked and they were taken to A&E for a brief check-up then sent home. Alex stated that this experience made them “wary” of drinks, especially when in a new place. They believe that the Union “need to be more vigilant” and should stop “[throwing] people out” who could be in a vulnerable position if it is to be a safe space for students to go out partying. Gair Rhydd also spoke to Charlie*, another student who believes they were spiked on a YOLO club night earlier this academic year. Charlie told Gair Rhydd that they drank two glasses of wine before heading to YOLO and then proceeded to drink four VKs in the nightclub, after which they “can’t remember a single thing” included who they spoke to or where they went. Charlie continued, saying that this blackout continued into the morning after and later in the day, their body
“went into complete shutdown mode, leaving me in hospital for a couple of hours.” They stated that this experience deterred them from wanting to attend Students’ Union club nights which they too feel should be “one of the safest clubs for students”. Both Alex and Charlie told Gair Rhydd that they encourage students to contact a doctor if they believe they may have been spiked and never been afraid to let someone in a higher position know you feel vulnerable, for example, a security guard.
It was scary to reflect on how I had no memory of anything I had done. Cardiff University student
In response to these comments, a Students’ Union spokesperson said, “At present, any student that reports to security with suspected drinks spiking is supported by the on-site paramedic team where they are monitored until able to return home. Students are then encouraged to follow up with further medical advice to confirm if the spiking occurred and are advised to report the incident to the police. “We have previously not been in a position to confirm any spiking allegations but are looking into the feasibility of onsite testing kits at events. “Whilst we don’t comment on specific incidents, we will happily meet with anyone who has felt that their treatment has not been to the above standard.” Gair Rhydd also spoke to the Students’ Union to enquire whether the Union believes it has a problem with drink spiking during club nights. In response, a spokesperson for the Union said, “The safety of students and guests attending our events is of paramount importance…[and] we invest in many welfare and safety initiatives to ensure students have a fantastic time. “The Students’ Union enforces a strict behaviour and entrance policy and for major events, this includes displaying messages on banners that outlines the zero-tolerance stance.” Story continues on page 4.
The National Museum of Wales: One of the Amgueddfa Cymru family of museums. Source: Amgueddfa Cymru
Record broken in Welsh museums’ visitor numbers
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ales’ seven national museums have seen a record increase in their visitor numbers, according to a new report. Amgueddfa Cymru’s Annual Review 2018-19 reveals that during the
last financial year, the Amgueddfa Cymru family of museums had nearly 1.9 million visitors. This is the equivalent of a 6.5% increase in total visitor numbers, the largest increase in the 112-year history of
Amgueddfa Cymru. The review also reveals that 1,135 volunteers gave of their time to help with the operation of the museums. To read more about the review, turn to page 3.
Welsh Gov’t proposes singleuse plastics ban
Gŵyl gerdd yn creu Sŵn yng Nghaerdydd
Getting to know: George Richards of Tae Kwon-do
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eputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blethyn recently announced that the Welsh Government is looking at banning many of the most commonly used single-use plastic products in order to improve Wales’ environmental impact. The UK Government is already aiming to curb the use of many single-use plastics such as ear buds, drink stirers and plastic straws in England. The Welsh Government is considering implementing an EU directive which would ban single-use plastic items such as plates, cutlery and balloon sticks from EU markets after 2021. The initiative has gained support from many of the Welsh Assembly’s political parties. Go to page 10 to read more on the announcement.
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edi penwythnos llawn hwyl a sbri yng ngŵyl gerddoriaeth flynyddol y brifddinas, Taf-od sy’n adolygu Sŵn a thrafod ei bwysigrwydd i gerddoriaeth yng Nghymru a diwylliant Cymru yn ehangach. Eleni oedd y y trydydd tro ar ddeg i’r ŵyl gael ei chynnal. Roedd cymysgedd o gerddoriaeth yn yr ŵyl gyda digon o gynrychiolaeth o artistiaid Cymraeg megis Gwilym a CHROMA yn ymuno â detholiad o dalent o bob cwr o’r byd. Bu tri diwrnod o adloniant fel rhan o’r wyl, o nos Wener, 18 Hydref, tan nos Sul, 21 Hydref. Gwern Ab Arwel aeth ar ran Taf-od i nifer o wahanol gigiau’r penwythnos er mwyn profi blas o’r arlwy a oedd ar gynnig yno. Ewch i dudalen 7 i ddarganod mwy am sut wnaeth Sŵn ei swyno.
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n the latest edition of the Sport desk’s recurring segment of ‘Getting to know’, Sport Editor Ella Fenwick interviewed Tae Kwon-do’s George Richards. Richards spoke about his journey with the martial art, in which he has over fifteen years worth of experience. He also provided his views on his favourite sporting moment whilst at the club. Like many of the athletes we speak to here at Gair Rhydd Sport, their sporting experience at Cardiff University starts with a give it a go session and from that moment on they become actively involved in their respective sports clubs. Read more on what advice George would give to his fresher self, as well as ways to enrich your time at university on page 30.
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