In July 2024, the National Police Chiefs’ Council labeled the prevailing violence against women and girls as a “national emergency.” Following the publication of the Angiolini Inquiry Part 2 report, our nation is confronted with a distressing reality – little has changed post the tragic event involving Sarah Everard.
The inquiry was initiated subsequent to the tragic 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. In a subsequent sentencing on September 30 of the same year, Couzens received a life imprisonment sentence with a whole-life order.
This incident marked a pivotal moment for women’s safety, altering the landscape significantly. The revelation by then Metropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick in March 2021 that a Metropolitan police officer had been arrested for Sarah Everard’s murder reshaped perceptions. The Metropolitan Police faced criticism for their handling of a vigil honoring Sarah Everard, further intensifying the scrutiny.
This event underscored the dual challenges faced by women in the UK – feeling unsafe on the streets and grappling with trust issues concerning the police, the very entity entrusted with public protection. The Angiolini Inquiry highlights that even female police officers have modified their routines, routes, and behaviors in a bid to enhance personal safety.
The inquiry delved into broader policing concerns and women’s safety issues, stemming from the Couzens case and that of convicted rapist and former police officer David Carrick. A primary focus of the report is to explore strategies to counter sexually motivated violence against women and girls in public areas.
The report highlights the normalization of sexual harassment and the perpetual state of alertness among women, especially in nighttime, park, public transport, and similar environments where the risk of sexual crimes looms large. A United Nations survey revealed that 71% of UK women encountered sexual harassment in public spaces during their lives, with the figure surging to 86% among 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. Notably, 76% of women aged 18-24 expressed feeling unsafe in public due to male individuals’ actions.
The findings underscore a collective responsibility in addressing the national disgrace. One of the 13 recommendations advocates for early intervention and information dissemination aimed at fostering positive masculinity among men and boys.
During the press conference for the Inquiry, Lady Eilish Angiolini KC lamented the lack of clarity on the prevalence of sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces, terming it a “critical failure” within law enforcement.
The bureaucratic inertia in acknowledging and recording women’s experiences represents a glaring void. The report emphasizes the absence of national data on sexually motivated crimes against women in public spaces annually, underscoring the adverse impacts on victims.
Lady Angiolini called for action, stressing the imperative to empower women and address their concerns effectively. The pervasive fear experienced by women underscores the universal challenges women face, necessitating a shift towards ensuring their safety and well-being.
Personal anecdotes and shared experiences echo the constant vigilance and adaptations women make to safeguard themselves, reflecting a poignant reality that resonates with countless women globally.