'We need more safe spaces' says campaigner, as violence and threats against females continues to rise
A Devon shop owner believes more places should offer 'safe spaces' like her one in Exeter
Last updated 7th Sep 2023
A 'safe space' is already having an impact in an Exeter shop, as new research reveals growing levels of violence against women and girls nationally - particularly online.
Exeter Craft Hub Owner Sonya Ellis was one of the first signatories to the Exeter Safety of Women at Night initiative and guardian for networks which enhance the safety of women, girls and non-binary people such as Urban Angels in Exeter. She actively promotes her premises as 'a safe space should women feel threatened while in the area'.
She said: “In recent years there has been some negative perceptions surrounding Sidwell Street so a safe and welcoming space is vital to the retail environment for local people and visitors.
"I have tried to create a colourful, welcoming, and inclusive space with a strong connection to the local community for all but particularly women, people from the pride community and anyone who may feel vulnerable.
"Being inclusive is hugely important to Exeter Craft Hub and in fact a number of the crafters, volunteers and customers do have either hidden or visible disabilities or find shopping a challenging experience which can lead to anxiety.”
The national research - released today - reveals 'online gender-based violence can take many forms such as trolling, threats, abuse, unwanted sexual remarks, malicious sharing of intimate photos and messages, among many other examples and it disproportionately effects women'.
It adds: "The findings reveal that over one in 10 women in England have experienced online violence, with this figure increasing amongst those aged 16-24 (25%) and LGB+ women (35%). Of those women who have experienced online violence, over one in ten (13%) said it later progressed to offline violence. Online anonymity (49%), ease of getting away with it (47%) and misogyny (43%) top the most commonly perceived reasons for why people commit online violence against women and girls."
The Open University surveyed 7,500 adults across the UK and the results some concerning gender divides, men in England less likely than women to support making OVAWG a criminal offence (over 50% of men strongly supporting vs over 69% women ).
Yesterday, the role of masculinity was explored in Plymouth’s first M.A.N Culture conference this September, as part of the city’s work to combat violence against women and girls.
Exeter Craft Hub opened in 2019 and has become a welcome safe spot for the local community and shoppers. The shop even includes its own therapy pet. Orsa, a qualified NHS therapy dog is important to regular visitors such as families of children with autism who can find visits to the city centre difficult.
Sonya Exeter Craft Hub Owner said: “A visit to see Orsa helps calm anxiety and is often the highlight of the shopping trip for families. She has a lot of students come into the shop to visit her who may be feeling anxious or missing their pets at home. She is also an ambassador for the Proud to Care scheme.”
Sonya will be at the Creative Craft show at Westpoint Exeter from 21st – 23rd September.