Salford women are speaking out about how vulnerable they feel in the city following the death of marketing executive Sarah Everard.
Women of all ages across the area have taken to social media to highlight the challenges they face when trying to stay safe.
When we lived in Salford I would always position my work bag with laptop in it so I could use it as a weapon if I was attacked.
We have to make small changes to our life to feel safe, so please make small changes to yours to make women feel safer
— katy. (@Katy_Meakin) March 11, 2021
Inspired by the viral #ReclaimTheseStreets Twitter campaign, women from across Salford, as well as female students at the University of Salford, have shared their stories of inappropriate male behaviour in the wake of the death of Sarah Everard whose remains were found in Kent woodland after she disappeared on her way home in South London.
Lauren Whitehead, a journalism student, said: “I avoid walking home in the dark but also sometimes in the day, and I don’t feel like I should have to do that.”
Echoing her friend’s sentiment, fellow journalism student Anna Dugdale, added: “I carry my keys between my fingers in the night.”
As the government proposes increased funding for street lights and CCTV and plain clothes police officers patrolling pubs and clubs, women from Salford have used their virtual voices to illustrate the fear they live with.
Living alone in a little flat in Salford for a few months taught me this when passing catcalling perverted construction site workers every day. I shouldn’t have to be fearful walking alone because I’m a woman, neither should Sarah Everard. https://t.co/DX3SQjWtPP
— MEGAN/MEG (@megsteer_) March 10, 2021
I used to run through parks in Salford at midnight and never had an issue. Last summer, in broad daylight, I was followed and surrounded by four teenagers whilst one sexually assaulted me. Stop telling women how to avoid being attacked and instead STOP RAISING PREDATORS.
— Georgia Bates (@georgia_bates) March 11, 2021
If you or someone you know needs support with the issues mentioned in this article, contact Salford Women’s Centre.
article produced with Olivia Donnelly
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