EXCLUSIVE: Half of women feel less safe since Sarah Everard's death
Bauer Media's survey has revealed women still feel unsafe, six months on from Sarah Everard's tragic murder
Last updated 31st Aug 2021
On the six-month anniversary of Sarah Everard’s tragic death, Forth 1's new research has revealed half of women now feel less safe.
To mark the anniversary of Sarah’s death, Bauer's publication, Grazia, conducted nationwide research in partnership with GoFundMe*, after holding a discussion on the issue of women’s safety as part of our #IWalkWithWomen initiative.
Roughly 73% of men and women in Scotland agree that her disappearance was a defining moment in the discussion about women's safety.
82% of women surveyed said they feel unsafe walking home alone after a night out
Our research has found more than four in five women still don’t feel safe walking home on their own after a night out. In the last six months, more than 1 in 5 have learned self defence.
Everyday Sexism founder Laura Bates says: "It’s not surprising many women still feel unsafe – we haven’t seen the systemic change that we need to actually shift our daily reality.
"The conversation is a vital starting point, but what we need now is action from people in authority; people with the power to create real change, and that involves education, a criminal justice system that doesn’t fail women and girls at every turn, and a media that doesn’t sensationalise or dismiss violence against women."
63% of men told us they haven't thought about or researched ways to make women feel safer on the streets.
In Edinburgh, 1 in 3 men think that if women want to stay safe, they should not go out by themselves at night.
But in Glasgow, just under 50% of women say a male friend has offered to walk them home - the third highest rate in the UK.
One step forward, and three steps back
Frances Monaghan, the founder of Wise Women, said: "Incidences of violence in the street for women have been gradually creeping up.
"When we started recording, it came in at about 8% of women, and now it's up around 14 to 15%.
"Whilst we have some attitudes that are changing, and on one hand you have more awareness of violence against women, things like sexualisation through social media, have become normalised.
"It seems to be for every step forward, in terms of attitudes and opinions, we then take about three or four steps back."
This research has been carried out in partnership with GoFundMe, who have created a centralised hub for those wanting to take action and help charities working to end male violence; visit the GoFundMe page here.
How can I watch the 'We Need To Talk About Women’s Safety' discussion?
Our Bauer Media panel and guests took part in an important discussion on women’s safety and what we can do to implement change. You can view the video below or on Closer's YouTube.
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 Police Scotland or the National Domestic Abuse helpline.
Where can I go if I need help or advice?
Here are some ways to support women’s issues and crimes against women: