The Groningen Observer
  • Home
  • Local
    • City Life
    • Domestic Affairs
  • International
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • Feature
  • Opinion
  • About
    • Our Vision
    • Our Team
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Groningen Observer
  • Home
  • Local
    • City Life
    • Domestic Affairs
  • International
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • Feature
  • Opinion
  • About
    • Our Vision
    • Our Team
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Groningen Observer
No Result
View All Result
Home City Life

Women feel unsafe as needle-spiking cases reported in Groningen

Nilofar Absar by Nilofar Absar
February 9, 2023
in City Life, Local
Earthquakes in Groningen lead to lifelong difficulties

The night scene at a club in Peperstraat, Groningen’s bustling “party street”. Friday, 9/9/2022.

Share on TwitterShare on Facebook

The Groningen Night Council has launched a hotline for victims of “needle-spiking” as authorities are struggling to identify the cause of this unique spiking phenomenon. It is noteworthy that as per existing records, the majority of needle-spiking cases have been reported by women.

“My friends and I no longer prefer to go partying at night clubs, we feel safer in parties hosted by student associations because we know the people there”, says 21 year old Fiona Thelen, a student of Law at the University Of Groningen. “Ever since these cases have been reported , some of my female friends have decided not to wear short skirts or dresses while clubbing. They fear that chances of getting needle spiked are greater when their legs are bare”, adds Fiona.

The first case of alleged needle spiking in Groningen was reported on 21st March 2022 and the most recent one on 11th August, 2022, says Misha Pchenitchnikov, Drugs and Alcohol expert working with the Groningen Night Council. “We cannot divulge the exact number of reported cases at the moment”, adds Pchenitchnikov.

Victims claim to feel unwell immediately after a night of partying, often waking up post several hours of being unconscious, with a puncture mark they seem to associate with the prick of a needle. However, according to Pchenitchnikov, there seems to be no concrete evidence suggesting that the bruising is a consequence of needle spiking. 

“I spoke to dermatologists to understand whether there is a way to ascertain that these marks are a result of an injection. It seems that it is impossible to distinguish these marks for example, from insect bites. Essentially, there is no way to be sure that “all” the victims took ill after an alleged incident of needle spiking”, says Pchenitchnikov.

What is surprising is that till date, there have been zero confirmed cases of needle spiking across Europe. Police investigation in Groningen has not led to the recovery of used needles or any suspicious activity recorded in the CCTV footage of nightclubs. According to Pchenitchnikov, the police are also questioning the “motive” behind needle-spiking cases.

“I think that the needle spiking reports were quite worrying since we were dealing with a new phenomenon. Because of this we did a lot of research into the different cases and possibilities to needle spike someone. Up until now this researches shows that it’s extremely unlikely that needle spiking is happening (on a large scale) in the nightlife. Nonetheless we take every new case utterly serious because every new case may give new insights into the needle spiking phenomenon”, says Pchenitchnikov. 

With the start of the new academic year , many students including internationals are setting out to explore Groningen’s vibrant night life. However, students, especially women are wary of “Needle-spiking” as a potential threat to their safety while enjoying a night out. 

Tags: GroningenHealthNeedle-SpikingSecurityWomen
Previous Post

LGBT asylum support calls out COA on refugee housing  ‘nightmare’

Next Post

Record inflation causes growing concern among local business owners

Nilofar Absar

Nilofar Absar

Nilofar Absar (she/her) IN - From India to the Netherlands, Nilofar has an affinity for spicy food and is navigating her way through a bland country. The lawyer-turned-journalist jams to Bollywood music when she’s not busy fighting for refugees. If she were a spice, she’d be cinnamon - sweet with a bit of a kick.

Related Posts

Groningen ranks 3rd worst province in bee deaths
Business

Ukraine Food: Supporting Ukraine one meal at a time

September 25, 2023
Mass industry crushes small businesses: crocheting by Jie Yan
Business

Mass industry crushes small businesses: crocheting by Jie Yan

August 17, 2023
Groningen ranks 3rd worst province in bee deaths
Domestic Affairs

Groningen ranks 3rd worst province in bee deaths

July 24, 2023
The GO News – Television Broadcasts
City Life

The GO News – Television Broadcasts

July 23, 2023
Queer Pride kicks off Pride Month in Groningen
City Life

Queer Pride kicks off Pride Month in Groningen

June 7, 2023
Local, Organic and Dutch: a new business springs to life in Groningen
City Life

Local, Organic and Dutch: a new business springs to life in Groningen

March 30, 2023
Next Post

Record inflation causes growing concern among local business owners

Recent News

International Criminal Court delivers on promise to highlight sexual abuse in Sudan case

International Criminal Court delivers on promise to highlight sexual abuse in Sudan case

July 5, 2024
Of Hope and Truth: A Mormon Girl’s Journey out of Religion

Of Hope and Truth: A Mormon Girl’s Journey out of Religion

July 5, 2024
Aftermath and context of floods in Derna, Libya

Aftermath and context of floods in Derna, Libya

October 24, 2023
Groningen ranks 3rd worst province in bee deaths

Ukraine Food: Supporting Ukraine one meal at a time

September 25, 2023
  • Home
  • Local
  • International
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • Feature
  • Opinion
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
E-mail: groningen.observer@gmail.com

© 2022 The Groningen Observer - News on the GO

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local
    • City Life
    • Domestic Affairs
  • International
  • Business
  • Sports
  • Culture
  • Feature
  • Opinion
  • About
    • Our Vision
    • Our Team
  • Contact

© 2022 The Groningen Observer - News on the GO