What's happened
Four years after Sarah Everard's murder by Wayne Couzens, the UK inquiry criticizes police and societal failures in protecting women. The report calls for urgent reforms, better data collection, and a whole society approach to prevent violence against women and girls.
What's behind the headline?
Critical Failures in Police and Society
The latest report from Lady Elish Angiolini exposes deep-rooted issues in policing and societal attitudes towards women's safety. Despite previous recommendations, many measures remain unimplemented, allowing predators to roam freely. The report highlights that data collection on attacks is inconsistent, hampering effective prevention.
This failure to act on known risks perpetuates a culture of silence and inaction, which will likely result in more preventable crimes. The report's call for a 'whole society' approach signals that tackling violence against women requires systemic change, including better police training, data transparency, and cultural shifts.
The timing of this report underscores the urgency: four years after Everard's murder, the systemic flaws remain unaddressed, and women continue to live in fear. The report forecasts that unless these reforms are swiftly implemented, the cycle of violence will persist, and public trust in police will further erode.
In conclusion, the report should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, police leadership, and society at large to prioritize women's safety as a national security issue, not just a social concern.
What the papers say
Sky News provides a detailed account of Susan Everard's emotional reflection on her daughter's death and the ongoing societal impact. The Independent offers a comprehensive critique of the Angiolini Inquiry, emphasizing systemic failures and the need for urgent reforms. Both sources highlight the persistent dangers women face and the police's role in either enabling or preventing violence. The contrast lies in Sky News focusing on personal grief and societal resilience, while The Independent critically assesses institutional shortcomings and policy gaps. Together, they paint a picture of a society still grappling with the aftermath of a tragic crime and the urgent need for systemic change.
How we got here
Sarah Everard was abducted, raped, and murdered by serving police officer Wayne Couzens in 2021. The case sparked national debate about police vetting, women's safety, and systemic failures. The Angiolini Inquiry was launched to investigate how Couzens was able to commit the crime and to recommend reforms in policing and public safety.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Lady Elish Frances Angiolini is a Scottish lawyer currently serving as Lord Clerk Register, the first woman to hold the role since its creation in the 13th century.
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On the evening of 3 March 2021, 33-year-old Sarah Everard was kidnapped in South London, England, as she was walking home to the Brixton Hill area from a friend's house near Clapham Common. She was stopped by off-duty Metropolitan Police constable Wayne..