London, England – At least 350 women have lost their lives at the hands of men since the tragic murder of Sarah Everard, revealing a troubling statistic of one woman dying every three days, as reported by The Independent. The stark reality of ongoing violence against women has left experts frustrated, highlighting the government’s failure to adequately protect women in the UK. The devastating figures have resurfaced on the third anniversary of Everard’s abduction and killing by a serving police officer, underscoring the urgent need for meaningful change in addressing gender-based violence.
Campaigners have expressed disappointment in the lack of substantial progress in combating the crisis, emphasizing that mere promises are not enough to address the pervasive issue of violence targeting women and girls. The data, sourced from the Femicide Census, shows that 350 women have met their untimely demise with a man held responsible or identified as a primary suspect since Everard’s tragic death in March 2021.
Interestingly, around 28 women – equivalent to eight percent of cases – were killed by strangers, reminiscent of Everard’s fate. This alarming statistic suggests that the proportion of women falling victim to male violence remains consistent over the years, indicating a lack of significant change post-Everard’s murder. The recent inquiries into Everard’s killer, Wayne Couzens, have uncovered critical oversights in his recruitment by the Metropolitan Police, shedding light on systemic failures in preventing such tragedies.
The aftermath of Everard’s murder sparked a wave of public outcry, with thousands of women gathering for a vigil at Clapham Common, demanding concrete action to end violence against women and ensure their safety. Organizers and advocates, dismayed by the lack of progress in addressing gender-based violence, called on the government to prioritize the safety of women and girls. There is a pressing need to enhance the police response, improve detection mechanisms, and intervene early to prevent further instances of femicide.
The relentless efforts of activists like Jess Phillips, who read out the names of women killed last year in the House of Commons, underscore the ongoing epidemic of violence against women and the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat femicide. As calls for systemic change grow louder, it is imperative for decision-makers to take decisive action to protect women from harm and ensure they can live free from fear, threat, and violence.