UK: Young women boycott nightclubs, bars to protest drink and needle spiking

印刷用画面を開く

Posted

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. boycott / ˈbɔɪ kɒt / (v.) – to stop buying a product or using a service to express disapproval
    Example:

    Customers boycotted the company because they learned that it treats its employees badly.


  2. spike / spaɪk / (v.) – to secretly add alcohol or drugs to drink or food
    Example:

    We know someone spiked the juice at the party. A lot of us got drunk.


  3. inject / ɪnˈdʒɛkt / (v.) – to force a liquid substance into something using a needle
    Example:

    The doctor immediately injected anti-allergy meds to me when I had a serious attack.


  4. momentum / moʊˈmɛn təm / (n.) – the force that helps an event or situation to keep growing or developing
    Example:

    Once the online campaign gained momentum, it spread to several countries.


  5. epidemic / ˌɛp ɪˈdɛm ɪk / (n.) – a sudden and quick spread of a harmful situation or event
    Example:

    There’s an epidemic of corruption in the government.


Article

Read the text below.

Young women across the U.K. boycotted nightclubs and pubs on Oct. 27. The boycott was a protest against reports of drink spiking and needle spiking.


Needle spiking is when people are drugged by needles in the back or in the leg.


In the seaside city of Brighton, detectives said they were investigating six reports of women being injected.


In recent months in the U.K., there have been many reports of drink and needle spiking.


Police said there were 198 cases of drink spiking in September and October across the country, and 24 cases of people being injected while on nights out.


The online campaign gained momentum in university cities like Bristol, Brighton and Nottingham. Organizers want to raise awareness about women’s safety.


Campaign organizers said on Instagram that “spiking has become an epidemic.” (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Young women across the UK boycotted nightclubs and pubs to protest drugging. What do you think are the effects of the boycott on nightclubs and bars (ex. it will cause them to close down)? What can the establishments do to address the issue (ex. improve security, coordinate with the police)? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, are boycotts an effective way to protest? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In recent months in the UK, there have been many reports of drink and needle spiking. Do you think establishments in your country have enough safety measures? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Are there places in your country that you consider to be unsafe? What advice can you give to people who go to these places? Discuss.