The Edinburgh phone service launched in response to Sarah Everard's murder
A year on from Sarah Everard's murder, by a serving Met police officer, a phone service launched in Edinburgh for those walking home alone say they "treat a symptom" but permanent solutions are needed
Last updated 3rd Mar 2022
A year on from Sarah Everard's kidnap and murder, by a serving Met police officer, a rally is to be held outside the Scottish Parliament.
The event tonight (March 3rd) will look to remember Sarah, but also demand the changes that were highlighted as being needed in the aftermath of the murder.
Wayne Couzens was sentenced to a whole life order for the crime.
In the month following Sarah's murder, Edinburgh based Rachel Chung and Alice Jackson decided to launch Strut Safe.
The idea was to make sure anyone walking home alone at night could phone a number and have someone to keep them company, and ensure they got home safely.
But the idea that such a service is required shows we still have a lot of work to do, according to Rachel.
She told Radio Forth News:
"We know that Strut Safe really just treats a symptom rather than providing a permeant solution
"Because no one should feel unsafe out alone, regardless of who they are, and they shouldn't need to call a phoneline and talk to a stranger just to feel safe."
The service has taken hundreds of calls, a big task for the small number of volunteers.
It's open Friday and Saturdays from 7pm to 3am and Sunday from 7pm to 1am and can be reached on 0333 335 0026.
Someone to walk home with you can also be provided in some areas of Edinburgh's city centre.
"We haven't seen much material change" Rachel told us.
"Government hit a real road block in terms of passing meaningful legislation to address violence against women and violence against marginalised people.
"We are holding this rally to urge Parliament to take meaningful action and to really put their money where their mouth is.
"In the year since Sarah Everard was killed, rates of violence against women have actually gone up
"Cyber stalking and online harassment have increased exponentially
"Until everyone can be out in the world without fear of facing violence, none of us can."