A WOMAN spiked on a night out has told of her ordeal as a students' union launches a campaign against sexual harassment.
The University of Southampton Students' Union launched the 'Southampton says Enough' campaign on the campus on Thursday night.
In the space of about a year, almost 15,000 violent and sexual offences were reported in the city between October 2021 and September 2022.
The campaign calls for more to be done to protect people at night, including better lighting and CCTV. It comes as Southampton City Council is set to cut street lighting.
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Students shared their own experiences with harassment, and how important it is to not blame the victim as it is so prevalent.
A 21-year-old student, who did not want to be named, told the Echo: "It's personal to a lot of people, that's why it is so important - even if you haven't faced it yourself, you know someone who has.
"It is the underbelly of every interaction we have as women. It is the underbelly of the club scene. Do not dress a certain way. Watch your drinks.
"This campaign is about reducing the blame on the victim. We are not blaming someone for not watching their drinks.
"I have experienced sexual harassment and domestic violence.
"It's not suggesting it is going to end it. It is about supporting people in Southampton.
"I was spiked at a venue in Southampton. It happened within the past year. Someone tried to corner me and I assumed that was who spiked me. I was described as very hostile and tried to leave.
"I never reported it. Ever since I do not drink. Some people's reaction was 'you do not know that they were trying to spike you'.
"They look at a victim and blame them for being a victim. Sometimes you freeze. There's a narrative that you are weak. They do not tell the story of people who fight."
Student and Women's Officer at the union, Lorna Selby, said harassment is "more prevalent than you would like it to be".
The 19-year-old said: "I thankfully haven't experienced it but I have friends who have.
"Everyone does know someone who has been through this. Southampton is particularly bad for it.
"It is definitely something that's so important to fight against. The way to do that is education, raising awareness and more protection."
Aycha Ates-Di Adamo, Vice President for Welfare and Community at the union, organised the campaign.
Aycha said: "We are conscious that more has to be done, particularly in regard to the safety of our students and the ongoing danger of streetlights being turned off at night in the city.
"We are prepared to collaborate with important stakeholders to advance a tougher, more rigorous agenda to address sexual assault and misconduct."
- If you or anyone you know has been affected by an unwanted sexual experience, visit the NHS website for who to contact.
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