The issue of women’s safety has become a pressing concern with numerous lives affected and lost, necessitating immediate attention.
In July 2024, the National Police Chiefs’ Council labeled the level of violence against women and girls as a “national emergency.” Following the publication of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 report, it has also been recognized as a national disgrace, highlighting the lack of progress post the tragic event involving Sarah Everard.
Initiated after the tragic murder and assault of 33-year-old Sarah Everard by police officer Wayne Couzens in London on March 3, 2021, the inquiry led to Couzens’ life imprisonment and a whole-life order on September 30 of the same year.
Sarah Everard’s case marked a pivotal moment for women’s safety, prompting significant changes in perceptions and actions. The revelation by then Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick in March 2021 regarding the arrest of a police officer for Everard’s murder, and subsequent criticisms of the Metropolitan Police’s handling of a vigil for Everard, fueled public outrage.
The Angiolini Inquiry delved into broader policing and women’s safety issues arising from the Couzens case, as well as the conviction of former police officer David Carrick for multiple crimes in February 2023. A key focus of the report is on exploring strategies to prevent sexually motivated violence against women and girls in public settings.
The report emphasizes that society has normalized sexual harassment and a constant state of vigilance, especially in vulnerable environments like parks, public transport, and other public spaces where the risk of sexually motivated crimes exists.
A United Nations study revealed that 71% of UK women surveyed experienced sexual harassment in public spaces during their lifetimes, with the rate spiking to 86% among women aged 18-24.
Half of the women surveyed in the Angiolini Inquiry reported feeling unsafe due to others’ actions or behaviors within the past three years, while 76% of women aged 18-24 expressed feeling unsafe in public due to male actions.
The report highlights that addressing national shames like these is a collective
