Dozens gather at vigil marking five years since Sarah Everard's murder as organisers say much more' must be done to keep women safe

"Ms Everard's death became a watershed moment in the national conversation about violence against women and girls. Women came out onto the streets to protest the lack of safety for women and girls and ineffective police response to violence against women."

"The Home Secretary subsequently announced a national inquiry to investigate the systematic failures that allowed the perpetrator, Couzens, to remain in policing. In the years since, a range of measures have been introduced in London and nationally aimed at improving women's safety, including an increased use of protective orders such as Stalking Protection Orders, Sexual Risk Orders and tools such as SafeSpace."

"Violence against women in general starts from school, school boys. Much more needs to be done on a national level. At the moment it just feels like it's smaller communities who are providing safe spaces and supporting each other and charities."

Sarah Everard's death at the hands of police officer Wayne Couzens became a watershed moment in national discourse on violence against women and girls. Couzens exploited his police authority to deceive Everard, resulting in his whole-life sentence and widespread public anger. The case severely damaged trust in the Metropolitan Police and prompted a national inquiry into systematic failures. Subsequent measures include Stalking Protection Orders, Sexual Risk Orders, and SafeSpace reporting tools. However, vigil attendees contend these reforms are inadequate, emphasizing that violence against women originates in schools and requires comprehensive national-level intervention beyond community-based initiatives.

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