A Perth women’s organisation focused on sexual violence has responded to the Sarah Everard murder by calling for a shift in dialogue away from what women can do to stay safe to what perpetrators choose to do.
Centre manager at RASAC PK in Perth Jen Stewart told the PA that, in the light of increased awareness of the dangers women face, there was a need to focus on male violence against women and attitudes towards women.
Vigils have been held and female-led social media discussion has been huge since the body of 33-year-old Sarah was found in a builder’s bag in Kent.
The marketing executive vanished walking home after visiting a friend in Clapham Junction, central London on March 3.
A serving police officer has been charged with Sarah’s kidnap and murder.
Jen told the PA: “RASAC PK believes that the only people responsible for such attacks are those who commit them. Everyone is safe from sexual violence, until someone chooses to assault them.
“The tragic events of last week have sparked nationwide discussion about violence against women.
“Sadly, a lot of content on social media has felt triggering and victim blaming, with discussion focusing on personal safety and considerations as to what women can do to ‘keep safe’.
“The reality is that women already have personal safety at the forefront of their minds.
“As seen across social media last week, there are many accounts of women sharing their experiences and opening up about the steps they take to either minimise risk or to protect themselves in the event of an attack.
“This is a reflection of the reality for women who live in a world within which such risks exist.
“RASAC PK believes that in order for women to be safe, there needs to be a shift in dialogue to focus on the perpetrator.
“Women should be able to walk the streets at any time and be safe from harm. We believe that the existence of violence against women highlights a problem with perpetrators, not women.”
Jen said to end male violence against women, society had to end “everyday sexism”.
She added: “We need to change the attitudes and behaviours towards women.
“Through our prevention work in communities and schools, RASAC PK is committed to raising awareness and educating young people around topics such as healthy relationships, gender, consent and preventing sexual violence.
“It’s vital that we challenge victim- blaming attitudes and support the development of a culture where sexual violence is unacceptable at all levels.”
Jen confirmed that lockdown has been a horrible time for those women in difficult situations.
“When the restrictions on the first lockdown were lifted, our support services experienced a 20 per cent increase in referrals.
“We are aware that for women and girls, pandemics heighten the risk of gender-based violence and at the same time makes accessing services more difficult.”
Last year, RASAC PK received 172 new referrals and supported 311 women and young people from the Perth and Kinross area of Scotland.
Should anyone be affected by sexual violence and is looking for support, RASAC PK can be contacted via support@rasacpk.org.uk or on the helpline, 01738 630965.
