Women’s safety has become a pressing issue that demands immediate attention, with numerous tragic incidents causing irreparable harm.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council declared a state of “national emergency” regarding the rampant violence against women and girls in July 2024. Following the publication of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 report, our country’s failure to address this crisis has been exposed, especially in the aftermath of Sarah Everard’s tragic death.
The inquiry was initiated in response to the brutal murder and assault of 33-year-old Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens, who abducted her from a bustling London street on March 3, 2021. Couzens was later sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life order on September 30 of the same year.
The incident involving Sarah Everard served as a pivotal moment in the discussion on women’s safety. The revelation by then Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick about the arrest of a Metropolitan police officer in connection with Everard’s murder marked a significant turning point. Moreover, the Metropolitan Police faced criticism for their handling of a vigil held in memory of Sarah Everard.
This event underscored a dual challenge for women in the UK, who not only feel unsafe in public spaces but also harbor concerns about the very authorities tasked with ensuring their safety – the police force. The Angiolini Inquiry highlighted how even female police officers have had to modify their routines and behaviors to enhance their safety.
The inquiry delved into broader issues surrounding policing and women’s safety, stemming from cases like Couzens’ and that of former police officer David Carrick, convicted in February 2023 for multiple crimes. A central aspect of the report is the exploration of strategies to prevent sexually motivated violence against women and girls in public areas.
The report emphasized that society has normalized sexual harassment, leading women to be constantly vigilant, especially in environments where they feel susceptible to sexually motivated crimes. A United Nations survey revealed that a significant percentage of UK women have encountered sexual harassment in public spaces, with younger women facing a higher prevalence.
Many women shared their experiences during the Angiolini Inquiry, with half of the respondents reporting feeling unsafe due to others’ actions in the past three years. Particularly alarming was the statistic showing that a significant number of young women felt unsafe in public spaces due to male behavior.
The report’s recommendations stress the need for early intervention and information dissemination aimed at fostering positive masculinity among men and boys. Lady Eilish Angiolini KC expressed deep concern over the lack of accurate data on sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces, highlighting a critical failure in policing practices.
The report shed light on a systemic issue where women’s encounters with harassment and violence are often overlooked and inadequately addressed. Lady Angiolini emphasized the urgency of acknowledging women’s concerns and implementing effective measures to ensure their safety.
The pervasive fear experienced by women is a universal reality, shaping their daily lives and decisions to safeguard themselves. Instances like walking alone at night evoke a sense of vulnerability, leading women to take precautionary measures to protect themselves.
Despite individual efforts to stay safe, many women continue to face threats and challenges when venturing outside. It is imperative to address these issues collectively and take concrete steps to create a safer environment for all individuals, regardless of gender.