Women’s safety has become a pressing issue, with numerous lives being impacted and lost. 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 is evident that this issue is not just a crisis but a national disgrace, with little progress made since the tragic death of Sarah Everard.
The inquiry was initiated in response to the brutal assault and murder 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 on September 30 of the same year, with a whole-life order.
This case served as a turning point for women’s safety, prompting significant changes after Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick made the shocking announcement of a Metropolitan police officer’s arrest for Sarah Everard’s murder in March 2021. The Metropolitan Police faced criticism for their handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard, further raising concerns about women’s safety both on the streets and in the hands of law enforcement.
The Angiolini Inquiry delved into broader policing issues and women’s safety stemming from cases like Couzens’ and that of former police officer David Carrick, convicted in February 2023 of multiple crimes. The report emphasizes the need to explore strategies to prevent sexually driven violence against women and girls in public spaces.
According to the report, society has normalized sexual harassment and the constant vigilance women experience, especially at night, in parks, public transport, or any location where they feel vulnerable to sexual crimes. A United Nations survey of 1,000 UK women revealed that 71% had encountered sexual harassment in public spaces, with the figure spiking to 86% among women aged 18 to 24.
Half of the women surveyed for the Angiolini Inquiry disclosed feeling unsafe in the past three years due to someone else’s actions, with 76% of women aged 18 to 24 reporting feeling unsafe in public spaces because of men’s behavior.
The report highlights the need for early intervention and information for men and boys to promote positive masculinity, as one of the 13 recommendations put forth. Lady Eilish Angiolini KC expressed her concern during the press conference, pointing out the lack of comprehensive data on sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces, labeling it a critical failure in policing.
The report underscores the bureaucratic challenges hindering the acknowledgment and prioritization of women’s safety experiences. Lady Angiolini stresses the urgency of addressing women’s concerns and taking effective actions to ensure their voices are heard and their safety is safeguarded.
The pervasive fear experienced by women is a shared reality worldwide. Women often modify their routines and behaviors to protect themselves, despite the ongoing challenges in feeling truly safe.