'We Need To Talk About Women’s Safety'
The death of Sarah Everard sparked a rising movement in the UK seeking recognition that violence against women must be addressed at a societal level. We need answers, action, and a place to connect, reflect, share experiences and try to understand what everyone can do to support change.
Wednesday 31st March 2020 makred four weeks since Sarah was reported missing after walking home from a friend’s house in Clapham. She left her friend at around 9pm, on a route down well-lit streets, but never made it home.
That’s why on the same day at 8pm, we hosted an event alongside our colleagues and sister brands at Bauer Media to provide a forum to discuss what needs to be done. We want everyone to be able to walk the streets without fear and be at home without fear.
Safety and protection is important, but we need to focus on the cause and preventing the violence and abuse.
Re-watch the discussion and show your support with the hashtag #IWalkWithWomen
Watch the 'We Need To Talk About Women’s Safety' discussion?
Trigger warning: You might find subjects in this discussion distressing. If you need any help and support you can call the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you need to report instances of harassment or abuse and feel comfortable to do so you can contact the Met Police or the National Domestic Abuse helpline.
Meet the 'We Need To Talk About Women’s Safety' panel:
Alongside experts in women's safety, the below members of the Bauer Media family were also on the panel.
Lucie Cave
Bauer Media presenter Lucie Cave on why she took part: "Like most women, Sarah's death bit me to the core. I used to live in Clapham and walked down the same streets as she did, often alone, often late at night. It's such an important dialogue and has sparked so much outrage and soul-searching. We can't change the world in one discussion, but we can come together to reflect, connect and show that this is about everyone playing their part to drive societal change."
Fleur East
Hits Radio presenter, singer and TV star Fleur East on why she took part: "I'm excited to take part in such an important event. We need to raise awareness and open up conversations about issues that affect so many women on a daily basis. Hopefully we can do that by sharing our experiences."
Tyler West
KISS Radio presenter Tyler West on why he took part: "The news this month has highlighted how important it is for us to be open and talk about women's safety. It's not just their fight – as men we need to do our part and understand what we can do to help and actively continue the conversation. I'm so honoured to be a part of this event, learn more and make sure I'm the best ally I can be."
Terri White
Empire Magazine's Terri White on why she took part: "With a woman being murdered every three days in the UK, only 1.4% of rapes being prosecuted and 97% women having reported being harassed, we are living through an epidemic of violence against women. The conversation we're having now is long overdue and only by lifting our voices and sharing our stories, will we start to face the truth scale of these issues"
Where can I go if I need help or advice?
Here are some ways to support women’s issues and crimes against women: