Women’s safety has become a pressing issue as numerous lives have been devastated and lost. In July 2024, the National Police Chiefs’ Council declared the escalating violence against women and girls a “national emergency.” Following the publication of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 report, it has also emerged as a national disgrace, indicating little progress since the tragic death of Sarah Everard.
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 subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life order on September 30 of the same year.
This incident marked a pivotal moment for women’s safety. The landscape shifted significantly in March 2021 when then Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick disclosed the arrest of a Metropolitan police officer in connection with Sarah Everard’s murder. 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: feeling unsafe both in public spaces and with the very authorities tasked with ensuring their safety – the police. The Angiolini Inquiry highlighted how even female police officers have had to alter their daily routines, plans, and behaviors to safeguard themselves.
The inquiry delved into wider policing issues and women’s safety concerns arising from cases like Couzens’ and that of former police officer David Carrick, convicted of 49 crimes in February 2023. An essential aspect of the report is the exploration of strategies to prevent sexually motivated violence against women and girls in public settings.
According to the report, society has normalized sexual harassment, leading women to be constantly vigilant, particularly in vulnerable environments such as parks, public transport, and nighttime. A United Nations survey revealed that 71% of UK women have encountered sexual harassment in public spaces during their lifetime, with the figure rising to 86% among younger women aged 18-24.
Half of the women surveyed for the Angiolini Inquiry reported experiencing incidents in the past three years that made them feel unsafe due to others’ actions. Additionally, 76% of women aged 18-24 expressed feeling unsafe in public due to the behavior of men.
Recognizing this as a national shame that women should not endure alone, one of the 13 recommendations is to provide guidance and early intervention for men and boys to promote positive masculinity.
Lady Eilish Angiolini KC, speaking at the Inquiry’s press conference on December 2, expressed grave concern over the lack of data on sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces nationwide. This deficiency is deemed a critical failure within policing, hindering effective action to address women’s safety concerns.
This bureaucratic void has resulted in the underreporting and neglect of women’s experiences, highlighting a dire need for improved data collection and prioritization of women’s safety concerns. Lady Angiolini emphasized the urgency of acknowledging women’s fears and taking substantive steps to address them.
The pervasive fear experienced by women is a shared reality. Simple activities like going for a drink with a friend can evoke a sense of vulnerability and caution, necessitating constant adjustments to ensure one’s safety.
While the journey that night ended safely, many women are not as fortunate, despite their efforts to stay safe and vigilant. Women continue to adapt their behaviors and routines, always prepared for the worst.
The collective experience of fear among women underscores the need for comprehensive actions to ensure their safety and well-being in public spaces.
