A recent poll has revealed alarming statistics regarding violence and harassment faced by women in the past year. Conducted by Zencity, the survey included nearly 1,800 female respondents aged over 16 from England and Wales, and the findings indicate a significant prevalence of these issues.
Among the surveyed women, 69% reported either personal or observed experiences of violence or harassment towards women in their daily lives, with the majority noting that such incidents have become more frequent. Worryingly, 55% of women aged 55 and older acknowledged witnessing these issues, while the figure rose to 74% for those aged 16 to 34.
Three-quarters of participants characterized violence and harassment as a serious problem, and when asked about the trend over the past five years, 42% believed it has worsened. Conversely, 28% felt it had not changed and 30% were uncertain.
Concerns surrounding the effectiveness of law enforcement remain prevalent, as evidenced by findings from the poll. Approximately 40% of women expressed doubt regarding the police’s handling of violence and harassment cases, with a meager 34% showing confidence in the police as a protective force. The Crown Prosecution Service and the courts received even lower confidence ratings, with only about 30% trusting their ability to keep women safe.
This public sentiment reflects a long-standing frustration with the response to violence against women, especially following high-profile cases. The tragic murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021 at the hands of a Metropolitan police officer brought widespread scrutiny to the police’s approach towards such incidents, raising questions about systemic failures in identifying and addressing threats to women’s safety.
Notably, the survey highlighted significant barriers discouraging women from reporting instances of violence. The primary reasons cited included a belief that the police would either not act (31%) or not believe them (25%), overshadowing logistical concerns associated with the reporting process. This suggests a pressing need for law enforcement agencies to rebuild trust among women and assure them that their reports will be taken seriously and lead to appropriate action.
Helen Millichap, the new national lead on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in policing, emphasized the necessity of maintaining awareness and urgency surrounding these issues. “We need to keep these issues at the top of the agenda, and the societal outrage we see in response to these crimes needs to remain. We need to challenge misogynistic views that only serve to drive these crimes,” she stated. Millichap acknowledged the role of policing while underscoring that a collective effort across various sectors is required to address the crisis effectively.
With regard to online harassment, the poll revealed that approximately 40% of women would consider reporting it, while an equal number indicated they would not. Alarmingly, more than 10% of respondents stated they would choose not to report an assault or rape by an intimate partner, illustrating the pervasive mistrust in the system.
As these findings circulate, the call for comprehensive reforms in policing and community support grows louder. Driving systemic change and enhancing trust will be essential steps in enabling more women to come forward and seek justice in a society where violence and harassment have become all too common.
