We are shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of Sabina Nessa. Sabina was walking to meet a friend and she should have been safe. Sadly, women’s lack of safety has become more than evident, and we need meaningful change and strategies that focus on stopping the harmful behaviours as well as supporting women to be safe.
In the UK a woman is killed every three days, and in the last year more than 200 women have been killed. Nine out of ten of these murders are by men. This is femicide, this has to be addressed. Male Violence against women and girls (MVAWG) is now an epidemic which affects every single woman and girl but which is too often overlooked and dismissed by the police and the media when it happens to Black and Minoritised women. This has to stop, action needs to be urgently taken, the government must listen.
CEO of Solace says, ‘We stand in solidarity with everyone calling for more support services, safer streets and better legislation, and with everyone agreeing that these behaviours start with the sanctioning of misogyny, racism, and often deep-rooted discrimination against women and the disregard and disrespect women experience when reporting harassment or sexual violence, especially those from Black and Minoritised communities. We all have to work together urgently to make sure this epidemic stops. Sabina, like all women and girls, deserved to be safe.’
The Metropolitan Police are still seeking information about the man they have in custody and whose CCTV images they have released. Please check the images and keep sharing them whilst the police appeal is ongoing.
The vigil will take place tonight – 24th September 2021.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/sabina-nessa-kidbrooke-murder-vigil-b1924961.html
For those unable to attend, but wanting to show solidarity they suggest you light a candle on your doorstep at 7pm.
#SaySabinasName
Note to editors
For more information on our work contact: – media@solacewomensaid.org
About Solace
Solace is a leading specialist VAWG charity in the UK, with over 45 years’ experience working with survivors of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). We deliver eight core multi-disciplinary empowering services that support women and children from the moment of crisis to recovery and independence. We offer ongoing support to survivors, helping them to rebuild their lives through advice advocacy and support. We also provide safe refuge and move-on accommodation to women and children made homeless through VAWG. Our 1 – 1 counselling, group work and specialist holistic therapies help survivors recover after experiencing traumatic abuse. Our rape crisis service offers a range of services to women and girls 13+ who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. Our Children and Young People’s (CYP) team delivers a range of services, including prevention work, for families and young people living in the community. Through our national training courses and consultancy, we help other organisations to improve their response to VAWG.
Website – www.solacewomensaid.org
Twitter – @SolaceWomensAid
Facebook – /SolaceWomensAid
Solace Women’s Aid is a charity registered in England and Wales. Charity number 1082450 Company number 3376716
Contact media@solacewomensaid.org for any interview enquiries.