Calls for a 'whole system change' to protect women and girls in York and North Yorkshire
We're hearing from the York activist who organised the vigil for Sarah Everard back in March.
There are calls for a whole system change to protect women, days after Sarah Everard's murderer was sentenced to a whole life term in prison.
An independent investigation into the vetting process of police officers and a public inquiry into Sarah's death have been proposed.
Chairwoman of the Home Affairs Select Committee Yvette Cooper says she fears the Government is "burying its head in the sand" over violence against women and girls after Boris Johnson ruled out a public inquiry into Sarah Everard's death.
Ms Cooper is calling for an independent investigation into the vetting process used by the Metropolitan Police when recruiting officers.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says "the Government needs to look systemically at not just the Wayne Couzens case but the whole handling of rape, domestic violence, sexual violence and female complaints about harassment all together".
Lucy Arnold is an activist in York who organised the vigil for Sarah Everard back in March - she says the time for action is now: "I think Boris Johnson has refused a public inquiry into Sarah Everard's death because he knows the extent of corruption, institutional violence and misogyny within the police force such as how we've seen it within the spy cops inquiry".
"I think a public inquiry wouldn't be unnecessary; I think it's absolutely important that the public know the full extent of the issues. There's far too much apologism and blanket acceptance of the way the police operates in the country, despite many of us waking up to the fact that it doesn't work for us.
"However, an inquiry wouldn't go far enough - it would probably lead to just more kicking the can down the road. The time for talking is over and it is the time for real action".
Lucy also thinks a tougher vetting process wouldn't be enough to reassure people, but wants to see people engaging in the work of charities to help.
"I know people have many mixed experiences with the police. My experiences personally have been overwhelmingly negative as a victim of crime, and I know it'll be worse for minorities and members of the GLT community.
"We need to listen to communities who are over-policed, and question why increased policing in communities doesn't reduce crime. It's not about the individuals who mean well or the individuals who do harm in the police; it's about how these huge powerful systems allow those that want to do harm to get away with it.
"Obviously talking will never be enough and it's the time for concrete change, but I'm hopeful in the power of meaningful and honest conversations about gendered violence and institutional issues of violence.
"The only thing that's ever made me feel any safer or any more empowered is engaging in direction action and investing in people and projects around me".
Later today at the Conservative Party Conference Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab will announce nearly double the number of offenders will be tagged to keep them away from their victims and stop them from reoffending.
Almost 26,000 extra offenders will be tagged over the next three years under a £180 million plan to expand the use of electronic monitoring to cut crime.
Ten thousand of those will be prolific robbers, thieves and burglars fitted with GPS tags as they come out of prison.
Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, Dominic Raab MP said: "This major increase in high-tech GPS tagging will see us leading the world in using technology to fight crime and keep victims safe.
"From tackling alcohol-fuelled violence and burglary to protecting domestic abuse victims, we are developing tags to make our streets and communities safer".
The Justice Secretary is expected to use his conference speech to reiterate that his ‘number one priority’ is to protect women and girls. He is expected to reaffirm his commitment to implementing a Victims’ Law to enshrine the support available to victims in legislation.
"We will transform the way the justice system treats violence against women.
"We will take the Victims Code, and turn that guidance into law, to make sure that in every case, for every victim, their voice is heard, and they see justice done.
His aim is "making our communities safer, so that women can walk home at night, without having to look over their shoulder. As Justice Secretary, that’s my number one priority."