November 28th 2024.
The statistics are alarming – one million crimes against women and girls were recorded in England and Wales in the past year alone. It's a staggering number, and it's likely that almost every woman has a story to share about feeling unsafe because of a man. This is not to say that women can't harm each other, but the likelihood of men committing criminal acts and perpetrating violence against women is significantly higher. In fact, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows that women are also more likely than men to have experienced violent crime, with a 37% increase in these crimes against women and girls between 2018 and 2023.
In the face of these unsettling statistics, many men are eager to learn how to be better allies and make a positive impact. So, let's explore some of the most common scenarios where women feel unsafe and what men can do to help.
If you suspect that a loved one is at risk from domestic abuse, there are a few ways you can offer support. If it feels safe to do so, gently approaching them and reminding them of organizations like Women's Aid and Refuge may encourage them to speak out. However, it's essential to avoid being judgmental towards the abuser or the victim, and instead listen to your loved one without criticism. You can also offer practical support by researching non-local transport options or creating a safe word between you and your loved one to signal when they need help.
It's crucial to remember that support is available, and no one has to face domestic abuse alone.
If you are walking near a woman at night, it's essential to keep your distance and respect their personal space. This is especially important during the darker winter months when many women feel unsafe being active outside after dark. Research has shown that even seemingly benign comments from men can make women feel uncomfortable and insecure. So, it's best to avoid speaking to women you don't know and encourage your friends to do the same. The advice from Transport for London is to be an active bystander and engage the victim while ignoring the aggressor. You can also offer assistance after an incident to serve as a witness or provide reassurance to the woman.
On November 25, 2024, Metro launched a year-long campaign called This Is Not Right to address the epidemic of violence against women. Throughout the year, they will be sharing stories that highlight the scale of this issue and educate, engage, and empower readers. With the help of their partners at Women's Aid, the campaign aims to bring attention to the problem of violence against women and encourage action. If you have a story to share, you can send an email to the campaign.
In order to help end violence against women, UN Women UK has developed the Stop, Support, Report framework. This includes actively intervening in potential situations of violence by creating a distraction and offering assistance to the victim. By working together and taking action, we can make a positive impact and create a safer world for women and girls.
It's a sad reality that in England and Wales alone, there were one million recorded crimes against women and girls last year. It's a number that is difficult to comprehend, but if you ask almost any woman, she will have a personal story to share. A time when she felt unsafe because of a man. Maybe it was the time she nervously clutched her keys while running home, or when she got off the train a stop early, or even when she needed a stranger to pretend to be her best friend. No matter the specific experience, the underlying fear and concern for safety is a common thread among all these stories.
It's important to acknowledge that women are not the only ones who can cause harm, but the statistics show that men are more likely to commit criminal acts and perpetrate violence against women. In fact, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that women are more likely than men to have experienced violent crime, and the number of violent crimes against women and girls has increased by 37% between 2018 and 2023.
In the face of these alarming numbers, it's heartening to know that a large number of men are eager to learn how to be better allies. To help, here are some common scenarios where women may feel unsafe and what men can do to support and protect them.
If you suspect that a loved one is at risk of domestic abuse, approaching them gently and considerately may encourage them to speak out. If that doesn't feel safe, reminding them of organizations like Women's Aid and Refuge can provide them with resources to seek advice. There are many ways to support someone in this situation, such as actively listening to them without judgment, avoiding negative comments about their partner, and reassuring them that they are believed and supported.
If your loved one is ready to leave an abusive situation, you can help by planning and preparing for their safety. This can include researching non-local taxi numbers and transportation options, creating a safe word for them to signal when they need help, and being ready to call for support if needed. It's important to remember that support is available and no one has to face domestic abuse alone.
When walking near a woman at night, it's important to keep your distance and not approach or speak to them. This is especially important during the darker months when many women feel unsafe being active outside after dark. Research has shown that half of women prefer not to be out alone after dark and six in 10 are concerned about being sexually harassed or intimidated. By slowing your speed, staying well back, or crossing the road, you can help reassure women that you are not a threat.
If you are on public transport, it's crucial to be aware of the increased risk of violence against women and girls. According to the British Transport Police Authority, the number of recorded violent crimes against women on UK travel networks has increased by 20% in the year 2023-24. And these are just the incidents that have been reported – many more go unreported. While there are larger systemic changes that can be made to improve safety for women, men can also play a crucial role in keeping women safe on a personal level. This can include not standing too close, avoiding staring, and being an active bystander if you witness harassment. By engaging the victim and ignoring the aggressor, you can help diffuse a situation.
On November 25, 2024, Metro launched a year-long campaign called This Is Not Right to address the epidemic of violence against women. Throughout the year, they will be sharing stories to shed light on the scale of this issue and educate and empower readers. With the help of their partners at Women's Aid, this campaign aims to make a real difference in ending violence against women. If you have a personal story to share, you can reach out to Metro via email.
It's important for all of us to take action and be part of the solution. UN Women UK has developed the Stop, Support, Report framework, which encourages individuals to intervene and create distractions if they witness harassment or violence. By stopping to ask for directions or making eye contact with the victim, you can give them the opportunity to ask for help. Together, we can work towards a safer and more equal world for all women and girls.
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