It is imperative that the issue of women’s safety moves to the forefront of our societal concerns, as too many have suffered the consequences of neglect.
In July 2024, the National Police Chiefs’ Council labeled the rampant violence against women and girls as a “national emergency.” Following the publication of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 report, it has become apparent that this issue is not just a national emergency but also a source of shame for our nation, with little progress made since the tragic death of Sarah Everard.
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, the inquiry shed light on the lack of change in women’s safety since that tragic incident. Couzens was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life order on September 30 of the same year.
This case marked a pivotal moment for women’s safety, with significant shifts occurring after Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick announced the arrest of a Metropolitan police officer in connection with Sarah Everard’s murder in March 2021. Criticism mounted against the Metropolitan Police for their handling of a vigil held in Sarah Everard’s memory, further deepening concerns about women’s safety both on the streets and under the protection of law enforcement.
The Angiolini Inquiry delved into broader issues surrounding policing and women’s safety, stemming from the Couzens case and the conviction of rapist and former police officer David Carrick in February 2023 for 49 crimes. A central focus of the report is to examine and evaluate strategies to prevent sexually motivated violence against women and girls in public spaces.
The report highlights a societal normalization of sexual harassment and the pervasive need for heightened vigilance, particularly during nighttime, in parks, on public transport, and any environment where women feel at risk of sexual crimes.
A United Nations survey of 1,000 UK women revealed that 71% had encountered sexual harassment in public spaces during their lifetime, with a notable increase to 86% among women aged 18 to 24.
Half of the women surveyed for the Angiolini Inquiry disclosed experiencing incidents within the last three years that left them feeling unsafe due to others’ actions. Furthermore, 76% of women aged 18 to 24 reported feeling unsafe in public spaces due to the conduct of men.
This national shame is not a burden for women to carry alone. One of the 13 recommendations from the inquiry is to offer information and early intervention for men and boys to foster a culture of positive masculinity.
Lady Eilish Angiolini KC, speaking at the press conference for the Inquiry on December 2, expressed grave concerns over the lack of data on the prevalence of sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces nationwide. This absence of information is deemed a critical deficiency within policing.
The failure to record, acknowledge, and prioritize women’s experiences within the bureaucratic system perpetuates a cycle where women’s safety concerns go unaddressed. The report underscores the absence of national data on the incidence of sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces, highlighting the profound impact on victims.
Lady Angiolini urged for meaningful action to address women’s safety concerns, emphasizing the need to empower women and take effective steps to ensure their voices are heard.
The pervasive fear experienced by women is a shared reality, characterized by the need to alter behaviors and routines to safeguard against potential harm.
Despite the precautions taken, many women continue to face risks when stepping outside. Every outing is a delicate balance between pursuing their aspirations and ensuring their own safety through vigilant measures.
While my experience that night ended safely, the reality is that many women are not as fortunate, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in prioritizing women’s safety.