Women offer tips on how to help them feel safe after men seek advice online
Lots of people are giving advice on making space and crossing the road
Last updated 24th May 2022
The disappearance of Sarah Everard has triggered a mass discussion online about women's safety when out alone and has led to men asking for advice on how to help women feel safe.
33-year-old Ms. Everard went missing last Wednesday evening after leaving her friend's house to walk home.
Police investigating the case discovered human remains last night in woodland in Ashford, Kent and a serving Met police officer has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
People have taken to Twitter to share their experiences of feeling unsafe while going about their everyday lives and the measures they take to try to protect themselves.
Some men took the opportunity of the discussion to ask how they can help to make women feel safer.
“I live less than five minutes from where Sarah Everard went missing. Everyone is on high alert,” posted London resident Stuart Edwards.
“Aside from giving as much space as possible on quieter streets and keeping face visible, is there anything else men can reasonably do to reduce the anxiety/spook factor?”
The question was welcomed by many women, with a number advising that men should try to give them space so they do not feel followed or threatened.
Critic Jay Rayner said: “I’ve said it before but will again: if I find myself walking behind a single woman on a quiet street I always cross the road to the other side and ideally accelerate away as quickly as possible.
“I am a big man and absolutely aware what my silhouette looks like in the darkness.”
Boris Johnson said on Thursday: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the developments in the Sarah Everard investigation.
“Like the whole country, my thoughts are with her family and friends."