Hotels in Swansea are offering a safe space for anyone who feels threatened or intimidated in the city centre.
The Grand Hotel, opposite Swansea railway station, has posted on social media that it will offer a space for anyone who feels 'intimidated, scared or at risk' in the city centre, as well as the services of staff to help reassure them.
Managers say they have offered such a service for some time, but decided to highlight it following the death of Sarah Everard in London, who went missing after walking home from a friend's home in south London just over a week ago. Her death was one of the reasons behind protests taking place outside police stations in Wales tonight.
A serving officer with the Metropolitan Police, Wayne Couzens, has been charged with her kidnap and murder.
"Our doors are open 24/7 during normal circumstances" the Grand Hotel's post reads. "We have a kind team who are happy to call a taxi, friend or family member. We are a business with females at the forefront and we want everyone to feel they have somewhere to go if they need help. We hope you will never need us but if you do we are there to help always".
Hotel manager Michelle O’rourke added: "It is something we have done for some time, but with what has happened with Sarah Everard and the fall out from that we thought we would remind people that we are here.
"It is not limited to women, if anyone needs help they can come here and ask for help from a member of staff. It might be someone's train is delayed and they don't feel comfortable waiting at the station. Our staff are all trained to offer help. There are so many issues around vulnerability and mental health and we want to do our bit to help".
Swansea's Dragon Hotel said it too offered a similar service.
Courtney Redmore who works at the at the hotel at the end of The Kingsway added: "We have always helped people who have come into the hotel if they have felt concerned. We have a lot of women working on the front desk so we take safety very seriously. It is not something we necessarily highlight, but with what has been happening lately it is more important than ever".
It is not only hotels which have responded to the debate surrounding women's safety that Ms Everard's death has triggered, along with the #ReclaimTheStreets demonstrations.
In Llansamlet, Fendrod MOT Centre - which is next to Fendrod Lake, a popular venue for walkers and runners - has also posted on social media, referencing Sarah Everard, and offering a space if women feel threatened nearby.
It posted on social media: "As a female friendly business with female staff as part of the team, we want all women and girls to know that being so close to a beauty spot popular with many walkers and runners, that if you need a place of safety nearby, you will be safe within our building and will have help to get home or to a place of safety of your choice with our help".
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Owner Sarah Kashion added: "The case of Sarah Everard has definitely made us think more about safety. We are close to the river and the lake which are very popular with walkers.
"I know women often wouldn't think of coming to a garage if they were feeling threatened, I don't think I would if I weren't involved in the industry. But we are a female-friendly garage and we want people to know they are welcome to come here and tell us what is going on if they feel unsafe. They can sit here until they are ok, or we can take them home.
"I've walked around the lake hundreds of times, and sometimes I do think, 'will I be alright?'. I've stepped aside sometimes if I've seen a man walking along, to get out of the way. It's just a sign of the times unfortunately, and every woman has got a story".
