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Very sadly, we live in a world where the reality is that women have to take extra measures such as carrying rape alarms, downloading protection apps for their phones, avoiding certain routes after certain times and look over their shoulder whilst walking home – all to avoid harassment or potential attack. The feeling of vulnerability is real for some.
The research completed last year on behalf of Action Aid regarding women experiencing harassment in UK cities made stark reading. The report stated that three quarters of UK women had experienced some form of violence or harassment in cities, with three in seven feeling at risk on city streets and a third feeling at risk when travelling on public transport*
Our own engagement work with the North Yorkshire Youth Commission has highlighted that fear of verbal abuse and sexual harassment is still very much on young women’s minds. Some of the young women who are working with us as part of the commission, were brave enough to share their first hand experiences of being harassed whilst on nights out.**
Yes, the police already have the relevant laws in place to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of harassment or assault, but by including misogyny as a characteristic of hate crime – it gives a message out to women that this type of behaviour is not to be dismissed or trivialised. That they can take confidence in the fact that they will be listened to and taken seriously by the police and that support and advice is available to them. There is something they can do to take back control and there are steps that can be taken to stop this from happening again to them, or to anyone else.
That’s why North Yorkshire Police are currently taking the steps to add misogyny into its hate crime policy. In the coming months we will be looking to educate our front line officers in the recognition of the offence and the support available for victims.
Our job is to keep the public of North Yorkshire safe and to ensure that the vulnerable are identified and protected. This move ensures that a clear message is given to those women who feel fear or intimidation, whatever the reason, that they can come forward and report with confidence – they will be listened to and taken seriously.
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https://northyorkshire.police.uk/news/misogyny-recognised-hate-crime/