Spiking in Ireland

Spiking in Ireland

Spiking in Ireland is an initiative run by Cork Sexual Violence Centre, shining a light on the growing issue of spiking across Ireland. The goal was to create a credible, accessible online presence that encourages people to report their experiences while handling an inherently sensitive subject with care and respect.

Challenges

The brief was to design and build a site that:

• Handles a deeply sensitive topic with a tone that feels safe, non-judgmental, and trauma-aware.

• Encourages visitors to report incidents anonymously, removing barriers that might prevent people from coming forward.

• Builds trust and credibility with an audience that may be distressed or vulnerable.

• Presents information clearly and accessibly without overwhelming or retraumatising visitors.

• Works seamlessly across all devices, particularly mobile - the most likely point of access for younger audiences.

Approach

Sensitive, Human-Centred Design

The design prioritises safety and reassurance at every touchpoint. The considered use of colour, tone, and spacing creates an environment where visitors feel supported rather than confronted, reflecting the initiative's serious yet compassionate nature.

Clarity and Accessibility

Content is structured to guide visitors through key information calmly and simply - what spiking is, how to recognise it, and what to do next. Language is plain, direct, and free from jargon, so the site is accessible to all.

Anonymous Reporting Functionality

A core feature of the site is the ability to submit an experience anonymously via an integrated reporting form. The journey to submission is kept simple and low-friction, with clear reassurance around privacy at each step to encourage reporting.

Trust Through Credibility

The overall design, structure, and tone work together to position Spiking in Ireland as a credible, community-driven resource - one that visitors can trust with something as personal as a spiking experience.

Responsive & Mobile-First

Fully optimised for all devices, with particular attention to the mobile experience, given the demographic most likely to engage with the site.

The result is a considered, compassionate website that gives the Spiking in Ireland initiative a credible platform, making it easier for people across Ireland to understand, report, and feel supported in response to spiking incidents.