"We've got a domestic terror situation here" - campaigners say attacks on women must end

The death of Sabina Nessa puts women's safety back in the spotlight

Author: Mick CoylePublished 23rd Sep 2021
Last updated 27th Sep 2021

Equality campaigners are calling for immediate action to end violence against women and girls.

The murder of 28 year old Sabina Nessa in London is the latest death to shine a spotlight on the ongoing issue of women being killed on our streets.

Her death comes just six months after the murder of Sarah Everard, which sparked widespread protests as women united to say "enough is enough".

"Women are not safe"

Deputy Leader of the Women's Equality Party Tabitha Morton told us: "We've got a domestic terror situation happening here, and we should treat it like that, but that's not what is happening."

Family are 'inconsolable' following death of London teacher, Sabina Nessa

"This year alone we've seen 106 deaths of women where a man has been allegedly responsible. If this was any other situation we would be calling it what it is, a domestic terror situation because women are not safe on the streets, and they're not safe in their homes.

"It's not a simple 'Fix it in 24 hours' but we've got to start because every six months we have these moments, and we say 'We have to do something' and nothing happens in between."

Killed walking to the pub

Sabina was 28 years old. She was due to meet friends in a Kidbrooke pub on Friday 17th September, but never arrived.

Her body was found nearby the following morning.

Sabina Nessa: Police say teacher may have been killed in attack by stranger

Greenwich Council have handed out attack alarms to women in the local area, but campaigners say it's just a sticking plaster on institutional change that is needed across society and the justice system.

Tabitha Morton said: "The answer is not for women to limit their lives, there is an epidemic of male violence in this country and that's what needs addressing.

"Attack alarms, putting more lights in the streets, they're all things that will help but we're not getting to the systemic problems, or the massive issue we've got in our judicial system of prosecuting violence in the UK."

#IWalkWithWomen

This year we launched the #IWalkWithWomen campaign to end violence against women and girls

We hosted a special event to bring voices together to discuss attacks on women, and the impact misogyny has on their lives.

Last month our exclusive #IWalkWithWomen survey explored the changing attitudes to women since the death of Sarah Everard.

It found 75% of women had become more aware of their surroundings while walking outdoors in the evening.

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