Is safety a luxury? Women’s struggles on London’s streets.

Much work is being done on violence against women and girls. But what is the reality for most women navigating the streets of London daily? Shakira Bruce-Abubacker today writes in the Havering Daily on the eternal battle to stay safe on our streets.

I was not surprised, nor was I disappointed. As the news of Sarah Everard’s tragic demise continued to reverberate throughout the streets, at work, in class … my home, the air became dense with the weight of those words, carrying with them a sense of resignation, that spoke volumes about the harsh reality faced by us young women in this daring city of London.

I knew it all too well. 

Still, I saw it as nothing new. 

But rather, it was expected.

As sad as that may sound, I saw the tragic death of a young woman as another reflection of a matter that continued to worsen. I had become accustomed to it. A dangerous problem had become short of ordinary. The death of Sarah Evergard was a story told one too many times, but this time with a turn. This time our own was murdered by those sworn to protect us.

She was murdered at the hands of a police officer.

This had now become a dark reflection of the dangers that lurked in my city.

I had lost faith.

Faith in the safety of public spaces, in law enforcement and dare I say, faith in humanity itself. As a young woman, navigating through the streets of London, her story had reignited my fears and anxieties that had long been buried under a facade of stoicism. 

But Sarah Everard was more than just a headline; she was a representation of safety concerns that plague the minds of young women like me in London, every day. To learn that she had fallen victim, not to just any random act of violence, but at the hands of a police officer, shattered any sheer illusion of safety I held onto.

Recently, I have found myself grappling with the harsh realities of life as a woman in London. The streets I was once naive to, that I once played in and laughed the hearty of laughs, now felt like a mouse trap. The seemingly innocuous catcalls, leering gazes and insufferable groping, had now carried an ominous weight, serving as a constant reminder of the vulnerability and frailty I had once felt.

Public spaces, that were once viewed as places of sanctuary, was now tainted by the threat of sexual assault and violence. Every step taken became a calculated risk, every glance over my shoulder became a silent prayer for safety. The fear of being followed, of becoming another statistic in a city, had now become a companion.

Harassment, catcalling, assault – it was not only the idea I feared, but the actions directed at me and the repercussions that would soon follow.  All to satiate one’s lustful desires? Their avarice for dominance and power?

Is this how I am to live my life? Constantly thinking I need to leave early before it gets too dark? That I need to cross the road if someone follows too closely? That my only way of getting home is by hiring a cab, as it is too late and unsafe to walk home alone.

Fear of the unknown and yet, I know the possibilities all too well.

However sad the reality may be, London is not a place that can afford the luxury of safety. Though it is a fundamental right that should be extended to all. 

We should be able to walk the streets freely. Stay out with friends and enjoy public spaces without worrying about it being too late. We should not be subjected to unwanted attention or threats to our safety and if needed, expect timely and appropriate assistance from the police and other authorities.

I know that day may seem far, but it is not impossible. Although we mourn the loss of many of our own, we should all fight for a safer London. Whether is funding victim services across London to give women the support that they need, establishing safe spaces, fostering a culture of respect and gender quality to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women or even properly training officers and increasing police presence,only then can we walk the streets without fear and are no longer threatened by potential dangers.

If you are walking home alone, Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line, with volunteers ready to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are home. If needed, please call 0333 335 0026.

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