Four years after the murder of Sarah Everard, a tragedy that exposed deep failures in policing and public protection, the question remains: has the UK truly improved women’s safety, or are we still pretending?
Sarah Everard’s death revealed systemic issues – poor vetting, ignored warning signs and a culture that allowed misconduct to go unchecked. The Angiolini Inquiry confirmed this, highlighting inconsistent standards and fragmented oversight. But despite promises of transformational change, many women still do not feel safer today.
Lessons still not embedded
Leadership and culture:
Real change depends on strong ethical leadership. Predatory behaviour must be identified early, challenged decisively and escalated properly. Structural reform alone cannot fix cultural failings.
Operational gaps:
Policing is only one part of the solution. Safety also relies on local authorities, safeguarding boards, health, education, employers and community organisations. Inconsistent vetting, poor information-sharing and unclear accountability continue to leave avoidable gaps.
Shared responsibility
Violence against women is a societal issue—not just a policing one. Effective prevention requires aligned standards, collaborative practice and genuine shared ownership.
Practical steps from partners can make a difference:
- Local authorities improving lighting, CCTV and planning.
- Health and education sectors offering early intervention and safer routes to disclosure.
- Employers strengthening lone-working arrangements and staff competence.
Individuals can also take proactive steps—not because they should have to, but because awareness helps reduce risk: planning routes, using safety apps, trusting instincts and knowing how to access help quickly.
NVC Awareness helps organisations strengthen their safety culture, close competence gaps and improve how they manage challenging or violent behaviours. If your organisation wants to improve staff capability and meet its legal and moral responsibilities, get in touch: https://nvcawareness.co.uk/courses/
