“Enough words, we demand action”
The Women’s Organisation in Liverpool this week curated an open letter to Government, calling for direct action to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), which they say is a deep-rooted and societal issue.
In the letter, which has been signed by more than 30 women leaders, activists and influencers, chief executive of The Women’s Organisation, Maggie O’Carroll, says a culture change is needed to “change misogynistic attitudes, improve education around healthy relationships and sexual consent, and de-glamourise sexual exploitation of women in the media”.
In her open address to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Ms O’Carroll says: “We are writing to you to voice our shock and outrage at the ongoing and systemic failure to protect women and girls from violence and abuse.
“The deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa have raised public consciousness around violence against women and girls. But these were not rare events.
“Three women are murdered every week in this country… and since the death of Sarah Everard in March, it is reported that 81 other UK women have been murdered in similar circumstances and where the perpetrator is a man… the lack of any meaningful response or even statement from Government, local authorities and the Police defies belief.
“We now know that Sarah Everard was the 16th woman to be killed by a serving or former police officer since 2009. That is 16 deaths at the hands of those that represent a system that serves to protect. This has resulted in a grave and growing sense of betrayal, neglect, mistrust and moral disorientation amongst women in our society.
“Enough platitudes. It is time for real reform. Root and branch action is required at multiple levels, along with genuine and intensive investment in wholesale culture change, education, housing refuge and VAWG service.
“We have had enough of highlighting and raising consciousness. Now we want action.”
You can read the full letter here