Four years after the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, many British women still feel unsafe on the streets. Instances of harassment and violence against women persist, raising concerns about safety in public spaces.
Sarah Everard’s Impact on Women’s Safety
Sarah Everard’s murder in 2021 heightened nationwide awareness regarding women’s safety. Following the incident, many women shared their experiences of feeling threatened in public. The Angiolini Inquiry was launched to investigate the circumstances around Everard’s death and examine police culture and broader concerns regarding women’s safety.
Continuing Concerns for Merseyside Women
Despite initial promises for change, women in Merseyside continue to express feelings of vulnerability. Kate Chadwick, from the charity Tomorrow’s Women, highlights that many women are shocked to learn that their peers feel unsafe. “Pretty much every woman has had some kind of experience,” she stated.
Safe Spaces for Women
Tomorrow’s Women provides a supportive environment for members affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Their facility includes a medical clinic and beauty treatment rooms, all staffed exclusively by women. They also distribute pocket rape alarms to enhance feelings of safety among attendees.
In winter, women face additional challenges while navigating public spaces. Some women alter their routines or take longer routes to avoid danger, such as waiting at poorly lit bus stops. Chadwick noted, “One of our members gets two buses home because it’s safer.”
Exhibiting Women’s Experiences
Tomorrow’s Women are launching a photography exhibition focused on stalking and harassment. Members submitted photos that illustrate their experiences as women. Notable themes include dimly lit streets and the dismissive question often posed in sexual assault cases: “What Were They Wearing?”
Women’s Running Groups Address Harassment
In Liverpool, women have created groups like Girls on the Go to provide a safe exercise environment. As evening falls, participants share experiences of being catcalled and even chased while running. Madeline Cole, a run leader, acknowledges the need for safer practices, stating they had to change warm-up exercises due to harassment.
Creating Safe Spaces for Exercise
Founder Steph Barney noted the intimidation women feel when running alone. She emphasized that societal perceptions of catcalling need to change, so women feel empowered to speak out about their experiences. Many women agree that improved street lighting and greater societal understanding could contribute to their safety.
- Year of Everard’s murder: 2021
- Declaration of violence against women and girls as a national emergency: 2024
- Number of years since Everard’s murder: 4 years
Women in the UK continue to advocate for increased safety and support in public spaces. The dialogue surrounding women’s safety must evolve to create lasting changes in society.
