Vigil for Sarah Everard (Debate)

Fri 11 Mar 2022, 11:59 (last edited on Fri 11 Mar 2022, 12:10)

Reclaim These Streets (RTS) who organised the original vigil for Sarah Everard on 13th March 2021 have won their High Court battle against the Metropolitan Police. 

In a judgment handed down on Friday, Lord Justice Warby and Mr Justice Holgate ruled in favour of RTS, finding that the Met’s decisions in the run-up to the event were “not in accordance with the law”.  

“None of the [force’s] decisions was in accordance with the law; the evidence showed that the [force] failed to perform its legal duty to consider whether the claimants might have a reasonable excuse for holding the gathering, or to conduct the fact-specific proportionality assessment required in order to perform that duty.”

While I am not surprised this was the judgement from the High Court, I think it is brilliant news!

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/mar/11/met-police-breached-rights-of-organisers-of-sarah-everard-vigil-court-rules

Tue 4 May 2021, 19:18

A lighted candle is suggested tonight as a vigil for serving Police Community Support Officer who was murdered whilst walking her dog in Kent woodland. No-one has yet been arrested.

Wed 14 Apr 2021, 12:30

Donna, I am very sorry for what happened and for the lack of support or justice given to you by the Police and the CPS. Unfortunately, the Forum is just for things happening in Charlbury or very mundane things going around the town, so I don't think you are going to get much advice.

I would suggest contacting the a rape crisis centre in or around Bristol - https://www.sarsas.org.uk - they can offer a lot of support and advice. You also try Mind - https://bristolmind.org.uk/support_type/counselling-abuse/ though I am sure you have tried most of these.

I would also suggest doing a Victims Right to Review - https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/victims-witnesses-and-offenders/victims-right-to-review/ - if you unsatisfied with the Police's response.

Wed 14 Apr 2021, 10:42

Donna, most Universities have Law Clinics and can offer free legal advice to members of the general public. If you want to complain about the police, perhaps you need to speak to a solicitor. As you live in Bristol, the relevant web addresses are: University of Bristol, http://www.bristol.ac.uk/law/law-clinic/ or University of the West of England (UWE) https://www.uwe.ac.uk/business/business-and-law-clinic

Most Universities around the country who offer Law degrees offer similar services, although most people don't know these services exist.

However, as you live in Bristol, I am not sure why you are posting to the Charlbury website. Because of the nature of the information that you provide, you might want to edit your post. There's a button underneath your name which would allow you to edit what you post.

Sat 10 Apr 2021, 18:21

Donna. I do not know what you should do. You need to get your story out to the media if the police or no other authorities are doing anything to help you. Tell your story in confidence to a decent newspaper, e.g. the Guardian, not a useless rag like the Sun or the Daily Mail. If you have access to a computer, find them. They might start the ball rolling, I've no idea what else to say, I’m sorry.

Fri 9 Apr 2021, 12:56 (last edited on Sun 11 Apr 2021, 12:21)

The rescheduled vigil will take place on Friday 16th April at 8pm on The Playing Close. April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and therefore it feels even more important to show solidarity for Sarah Everard, her family and her friends, and other women and girls who experience harassment, stalking and assault.

There will be a moment of silence at 8.15pm where we will light a candle or a torch and then all are welcome to tie a purple ribbon to the frontage of The Playing Close and the Fountain in memory of Sarah or anyone else who has been a victim or survivor of violence.

More details can be found on the Events listing on the website. If you have any further questions or concerns after looking at the listing, you can contact me by email: charlbury.vigil@gmail.com

Thu 8 Apr 2021, 16:46

Hi, I wonder if anyone could advise me or could give me some guidance on what to do next. My daughter who was 13 at the time of the attack this is now 2 ¼ years ago. There was a boy 2 years older in her school and he was…

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Thu 25 Mar 2021, 14:20

Charlie - I have seen this question floated on Twitter not long after Sarah was found. Some suggestions from women have been for the man to hang back or for him to crossover to other side of the road (where convenient of course) or for him to be on the phone as then we know he is occupied and we therefore feel less threatened. I know any or all of the above would make me feel better, particularly the talking on the phone option. Not sure about calling out your name... I think it would startle me and I would probably think the man might be trying to start a conversation. I don't think there is one right way of doing things, but I think just asking the question is always a positive step. 

Thu 25 Mar 2021, 12:50

Well said Vicky. It wound me up too.

Straight off the top of my head... consider a situation at night where a man is walking down the street some yards behind a woman. Would it be an idea to adopt a "convention" whereby the man should call out his name? Of course it is open to abuse, but if something like this was adopted in Charlbury, then anyone who did not do it might be considered a "stranger" who did not know of it. 

Thoughts?

Thu 25 Mar 2021, 10:48

I am sorry David Jenkins that this sexist thread upsets you so. I guess as a man in his 70's, you can recount numerous occasions when  women have sexually harassed stalked and sexually assaulted you right? No wonder you like living in Charlbury where everything is sunshine lollypops and rainbows everywhere. I'm  incredibly grateful for your personal guarantee that nothing of this sort ever has or will ever happen here. xx

Wed 24 Mar 2021, 16:09

Sure is. Had to re-create my account because I changed email. 

Wed 24 Mar 2021, 13:49

David Jenkins, I see you have created an account just to reply on this thread. I wonder if that is your real name?

Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:11

How very sexist this thread is. But it's ok because it's positive discrimination. The good sort of discrimination. Honestly if you don't feel safe in Charlbury, no matter your sex, then I suggest you don't leave the house. And don't take your foil hat off either. 

Mon 22 Mar 2021, 17:29 (last edited on Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:42)

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Mon 22 Mar 2021, 14:36 (last edited on Mon 22 Mar 2021, 14:39)

I honestly don't know what to say at this point. I was not smearing you Rosemary, I was merely pointing out what you said/requested on the 18th. You replied to Susie's request of, "I think this should now be moved to Debate as although it started off as something to do with Charlbury, it isn't now" with the words, "I think so too, Susie." At no point did you request a new thread.

Mon 22 Mar 2021, 14:22 (last edited on Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:42)

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Mon 22 Mar 2021, 13:23

David's comment is the very reason why I did not want this important discussion relegated to the Debate section of the forum, because though renamed, some people still see it as the 'grease pit' and therefore behave that way, sadly, despite what Richard has attempted to do. But despite me trying to keep it polite and applicable to Charlbury, many of you, including you Rosemary called for it to be moved to the Debate section. Maybe this is a lesson in being careful what you wish for.

Mon 22 Mar 2021, 12:54

David that is possibly THE most unhelpful and crass statement I have seen on here for a long time. You should be embarrassed.

The fact is, if I read the threads correctly, that there are women that feel unsafe even within such a peaceful town as Charlbury. So elsewhere, they must be justifiably terrified. I agree with Tony that the solution starts with men. We have to be educated about the issues and engage properly in the debate, as well as re-introduce the teaching of manners and chivalry that used to be the norm for parents to teach before the 1990's

The only comment in the rest of the thread that I take exception to is Christine's

 "A man's offer to walk anxious women home from the pubs might be well-intentioned, but is not very helpful given that sexual attacks on women most often come from people they already know, rather than from complete strangers."

 That suggests that any offer of help should be shunned as most males are predatory. I and most if not all of my male friends would make the same offer without any predatory intent AT ALL. It is this type of sentiment from Christine that makes us not want to offer help for fear of branding or of being insulting to women.

Sat 20 Mar 2021, 21:46 (last edited on Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:43)

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Sat 20 Mar 2021, 21:29

Calm down, dears

Fri 19 Mar 2021, 15:50 (last edited on Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:46)

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Fri 19 Mar 2021, 08:25 (last edited on Fri 19 Mar 2021, 08:26)

Aaaand now you are all arguing. Well done.

Susie, Rosemary, John: there is a reason why the rules say that if you want the admins to do something, you contact them directly, you don’t ask for it on the forum. Two reasons in fact. First, it always kicks off a distracting and unhelpful ‘meta’ discussion and diverts from the real issue. Second, as a volunteer I really don’t like being publicly bounced into doing stuff.

If you want something moved, message me through the site or email me.

Madeleine, Emily: the Debate page is not the naughty step, it’s where discussions that aren’t Charlbury-specific go. That’s not to say they’re not relevant to Charlbury – of course they are – just that they’re about wider issues. It absolutely is not “burying” the issue, it’s just we have different boards for different things. When/if the vigil takes place in Charlbury, and I really hope it does, then absolutely do feel free to start a new thread on the main board.

Please let’s not have any more meta comments about what goes where. Thank you.

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 21:55 (last edited on Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:47)

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Thu 18 Mar 2021, 21:21

I have been polite, engaged with you even when I didn’t agree, and have been very diplomatic. Sadly, some of you find this conversation incredibly uncomfortable and want it go away as quickly as possible.

You might not be able to understand or even comprehend what you are saying, but there will be women reading this thread and all your comments, who will have experienced sexual harassment or worse, and will now feel like their voice doesn’t matter, their experiences doesn’t matter, that they should shut up, and that you all would rather this whole thing go away because it makes you uncomfortable or because you think this sort thing doesn’t happen in Charlbury. It does. 

This is a solvable issue. Unlike Brexit or the town’s tirade against MKJ, violence against women and girls can be solved and there is no reason why Charlbury can’t engage in this conversation and be part of the solution.

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 21:16 (last edited on Thu 18 Mar 2021, 21:21)

Yes, harassment and/or misogny only takes place in the big cities and not small idyllic towns like Charlbury. 

I don’t think Emily has said anything particularly controversial or what isn’t already circulating in the newspapers/online. 

I thought as adults we might all be able to have a discussion about this issue as I know quite a few women in Charlbury who have had experiences of harassment and abuse and its an important topic that affects half the population.

Susie, its also quite shocking to see that as a committee member of the womens institute that you would suggest burying this discussion.

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 20:53

YES PLEASE!!!  John  H

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 17:18 (last edited on Tue 23 Mar 2021, 20:48)

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Thu 18 Mar 2021, 15:39

I think this should now be moved to Debate as although it started off as something to do with Charlbury, it isn't now.

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 14:59

I misspoke in my last post regarding misogyny now being classed as a hate crime. As Robin rightly says, it is subject to police data collection and a review from the Law Commission, and then debate in the HoC, presumably.

However, my questions re the police are still pertinent as it will be the police who will be deciding what constitutes a hate crime and it will be the police responsible for recording those crimes. Therefore, unless the police are properly trained to first understand what misogyny is and know what they should be looking for, how can we be confident the data will be accurately recorded. 

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 13:57

Let’s not jump the gun. Misogyny is not yet to be classified as a hate crime. What will happen from the Autumn is that data will begin to be collected by all police forces (some do it already) recording whether an act committed that is already an existing offence was motivated by misogyny. Only when that data has been studied will there then be a debate on whether to include misogyny along with other hate crimes, where tougher sentences can be given. The wheels of legislation always grind extremely slowly.

Thu 18 Mar 2021, 12:58

From the autumn, misogyny will now be classed as a hate crime. Police forces will be asked to identify where a victim believes the crime has been prompted by “hostility based on their sex”. Among the crimes included will be stalking and sexual offences. This is some good news!

My questions/reservations about this are, will the police now receive specialist training on what forms misogyny takes, and also how to spot whether a crime is misogynistic in nature, and is therefore a hate crime? From the limited interaction I have had with the police, and from what I have seen and read from other women regarding their interactions with the police, I am not hopeful that they are qualified to understand or spot misogynistic crimes against women and girls.

It seems, again from I have read, that the CPS and most solicitors and barristers understand the nuances surrounding misogyny and what patterns of behaviour law enforcement should be looking out for (coercive control, stalking, physical and psychological violence, financial control et al.) but do the police? 

What are other people's thoughts on this? Does anyone have experience of the police dealing with crimes that would now constitute a hate crime?

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 18:02

Men need to be involved in this conversation if we want things to change. It can't just be on the women and girls to both circumnavigate some men's bad behaviour and also be responsible for it. So thank you Dave and Tony for being part of the conversation and wanting to "embrace and support the groundswell of a demand for change", as Dave so eloquently put it. 

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 15:56

Like Dave Oates on the debate section I would not normally think it was appropriate to intervene in this thread. However I would like to say that I totally agree with Emily that men should take full responsibility for this problem. I think the starting point should be fathers teaching their sons to respect women as their equals. I have 4 sons who are far from perfect! but they are in no doubt how I would respond if I found they were treating women badly in any way

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 14:31 (last edited on Wed 17 Mar 2021, 14:54)

Emily, I am not getting the either /or re self-defence. But this has moved into debate territory, so I have edited and mostly deleted this post.

The bus stop display is a means of enabling someone to see immediately and easily if a bus is late or en route, without the need to fiddle around with a phone (with sometimes quite unreliable results). If one feels that one is being followed or being kerb-crawled, publicly visible signage helps one decide how best to act -- to walk on, to turn back or phone a friend. I can't be the only person who is made anxious by the need to hang round a bus stop for a bus that just does not turn up, especially at night. Buses will start running again very soon, or at least I hope that they will. 

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 13:47 (last edited on Wed 17 Mar 2021, 14:06)

I'm not really sure how having signs displaying bus time (especially in Charlbury) would really help in making girls and young women feel safer or prevent harassment. The bus services in this area have been cut dramatically and information about bus arrivals/departures are available online or on phone apps. I am no doubt missing the good intentions that are to be found in this suggestion. 

With regards to the self defence classes its not so much the classes in themselves that I have issue with; everyone should have some idea as to how they would defend themselves from an attacker. My issue is that it has once again become the responsibility of the woman to manage (in this case, literally combat) the behaviour of men who choose to take advantage of them. More street lights, personal alarms, self-defence classes etc are not the solution to crimes of harassment and sexual assault. The change needs to come from men who are currently practicing disturbing philosophies such as no means yes or "she was drunk so the lines were blurred" or "she was wearing revealing clothes so she was asking for it" etc. It also requires men who don't hold these views to make the men that do answerable for their actions. 

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 12:15

Other measures to consider include allowing bus stops in Charlbury to access and display data about when the next buses are due. These display boards are available in Woodstock, Chipping Norton, Witney as well as other places en route. I have never been sure why Charlbury has been so slow to have these installed. Our broadband and Wifi is surely good enough.

Emily, I think it a real mistake to confuse carrying a personal alarm with self-defence classes. The whole point of such classes is to teach women and girls not to freeze, as well as techniques to avoid being overpowered. The demonstration video in the link in my earlier post emphasises precisely this point.

I was, however, remiss in not mentioning girls as well as young women. I don't think any female to be too young to learn about self-defence -- or too old, for that matter. I could do with a refresher course myself. And if there are to be any subsidies locally perhaps they would be best directed at girls or those studying from home.

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 11:12

Liz, this is good news regarding the LED lamps. When do you foresee them being replaced in Charlbury, with perhaps a couple of extra lights on Dyers Hill and at the Enstone crossroads? However, like we both said, these measures by the government don't actually solve the problem of violence against women. With the local elections coming up, have the Lib Dems included anything in their manifesto about tackling harassment and VAW? Also, is there a possibility of including the TVP in these discussions as they are the ones who have the power to actually do something when women report harassment, assault or violence?

Christine, I agree with you and the statistics would back you up, men are more likely to be victims of male violence by strangers than women, but violence against women is mostly committed by men, ergo, the thing that both men and women have in common is male violence. I also agree that women are more likely to experience violence in the home and/or by men they know as opposed to strangers, but again this brings us back the same point: the violence is being committed by men. 

As for self-defence classes, like personal alarms, this doesn't really solve the problem. It also assumes that when a woman is attacked she won't freeze or won't be overpowered. It also once again puts the onus on the woman to manage other people's behaviour, and really just puts us back where we are right now with women doing all the "right" things but still being harassed, stalked and assaulted. 

Wed 17 Mar 2021, 10:43 (last edited on Wed 17 Mar 2021, 10:52)

I am really sad to see how many women in Charlbury feel unsafe when alone and outside at night, as well as in the daytime

This is a very real problem -- and not just a recent one. I have on occasions been asked to accompany other women when walking…

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Wed 17 Mar 2021, 08:04

Another street lamp would be welcome nearer the top of Enstone Road too - it’s very dark there at night coming back from the pub. 

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 22:38

Great idea to make the link to the upcoming police commissioner elections, I confess I have never had a clue what these people do, but perhaps now is the time to find out and put some pressure on the candidates to address these issues. 

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 22:27

And I see Emily and I used the same words at the same time!!!

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 22:23

In answer to Emily's question about street lighting, OCC is currently upgrading all street lighting across the county with LED lamps which are both brighter and greener as they use much less electricity.  They can also be turned on and off remotely to a schedule. Regarding the government's recently announced plan for more lighting and CCTV, it is too early to say how this will be implemented. However, I think this is just a sticking plaster.  Harassment does not just take place at night, in my experience, though it is more scary in the dark. Until we routinely educate men and boys to understand how threatening and unwelcome some behaviours are to women and girls, people will continue to feel unsafe.

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 22:12

Claire, I completely agree with everything you’ve said. All of my experiences of harassment and assault have taken place in broad daylight, either going to or coming from work, or at work itself. I think the government’s solution of more streetlights plays on the old trope that all harassment and assault takes place under the cover of darkness. I also think streetlights and cctv are like using a plaster to heal multiple gaping wounds; it won’t do anything except look like you’re doing something.

I also don’t see why the wider questions you’ve asked can’t be applied to Charlbury, particularly when it comes to young people and police attitudes to women and girls who report harassment. We need to start somewhere, so why not there? Why not put it to the TVP? There are elections coming up in May, which can always be a useful incentive to get elected officials to do things.

Coming back to my post about streetlights, I know they are not solution but I think having another one on the hill coming up from the station would make me, and perhaps others, feel less uneasy. It would also allow me to see what’s in front of me instead of relying on the light on my phone!

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 21:23

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 15:32

Dave, I am not going to try and speak for the women who have contacted as to why they don't feel safe walking home from the pubs alone or from the station alone late at night, or why they haven't voiced it previously. 

However, from my own experience, it is because society and by extension we as women and girls have normalised certain behaviours that men would never ever think of doing. For example, if we do have to walk home late at night alone, we take our headphones out or walk that little bit faster or talk to someone on the phone until home. Or perhaps, as one woman told me, she just doesn't catch the last train which would leave her walking alone at night. 

I think another reason you and others may not have sensed this is because you may have not thought to ask. This is not criticism. We tend to not ask others about issues that would never effect us. I personally wouldn't say this recent event has put doubt in my mind, but it has reminded me (and others) that despite doing everything I am told to do to keep myself safe, it really is fruitless. 

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 14:49

I am saddened that you know of women that don't feel safe walking home from the station or the pubs - I have never sensed that in the town in the 30 years I have lived here. However, recent events must, I'm sure, have put doubts in people's minds. I would say that if anyone feels unsafe walking from the pubs (once open again) I know there are many, including me, that would be happy to act as accompaniment if asked. 

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 13:12 (last edited on Tue 16 Mar 2021, 13:25)

Susie, what about solar powered streetlight then? I have had a number of woman get in touch with who say they do not feel safe walking home from the pubs in Charlbury at night and walking up from the station. You mention that this issue has been discussed before but that doesn't mean it can't ever be discussed again, does it, especially given what has happened in the last five days?

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 12:59

My thoughts on extra street lighting are thar it isn’t very green and has been discussed at the town council some years ago. 

Tue 16 Mar 2021, 10:48

The government's Criminal Justice Taskforce met last night in response to the murder of Sarah Everard and calls from women and girls that there needs be substantial movement from the government, the Police and the CPS to protect women from harassment and assault. 

The government's answer is to extend the…

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Mon 15 Mar 2021, 09:11 (last edited on Mon 15 Mar 2021, 09:12)

Rachael, you have hit the nail on the head. The fact this issue makes people uncomfortable is why we should be talking about it and not pushing it aside. It is going to be difficult, dismantling anything that has been around for a long time - values, ideas, toxic narratives about VAW - but as you said, I hope it makes us all better members of society. 

For everyone -  the government has reopened it's open consultation on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Call for Evidence, which can be seen here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/violence-against-women-and-girls-vawg-call-for-evidence

There are local elections in May, including for the Police and Crime Commissioner as well as legislation going through the HoC this week in attempt to curtail protests and freedom of speech. It is important as citizens we engage and tell our representatives what we think and why things should change. 

Sun 14 Mar 2021, 19:13 (last edited on Sun 14 Mar 2021, 19:49)

Emily, I just wanted to say that I was moved and inspired by your posts and your efforts to do something constructive. I also understand the reasons that as a community we have  moved towards a decision that this might not be the right time for gathering in person, and I think the sensitive way you responded to this was was really admirable. There is a lot for us all to face up to about ourselves and our society at this time, and I suppose that probably is difficult for all of us in lots of different ways but I do hope we'll come out better people and better members of society as a result of it.  This is a time for standing together. 

Sun 14 Mar 2021, 17:54

I am really disappointed that a mere suggestion of a vigil for a murdered woman has created so much negativity. I hope now we can return to the matter at hand, which is a plan for a future vigil as well as trying to find a way to tackle the issues of harassment, stalking and assault locally and effectively.

Sun 14 Mar 2021, 15:54

Selected postings moved to the Debate board. –Richard

Sat 13 Mar 2021, 14:46

This evening at 9:30pm Reclaim These Streets will be joining people around the country in a doorstep vigil, standing on our doorsteps and shining a light – a candle, a torch, a phone – to remember Sarah Everard and all women affected by and lost to violence. This is no way a replacement for a vigil but it is a small show of solidarity.

Sat 13 Mar 2021, 10:10 (last edited on Sat 13 Mar 2021, 12:09)

I have updated the news item to reflect that the vigil this evening has been cancelled.

I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support, sharing their stories and their commitment to attend a vigil for Sarah. I can imagine her family will be moved by everyone who spoke up for Sarah when she couldn't and who wanted to show solidarity with her.

It is disappointing that a few people tried to make the vigil about the serving police officer who has now, unsurprisingly, been charged with Sarah's kidnap and murder as well as those who find it more disturbing that a vigil was even taking place rather than being disturbed that a young woman was killed trying to get home and that a serving police officer is the one who has been charged with her murder.

As Liz has mentioned you can give a donation to Reclaim The Streets in honour of her memory should you so wish. 

Sat 13 Mar 2021, 09:48

Emily, I was really pleased to see your post and the suggestion of a local event; I would have come along.

Reclaim These Streets, the organisers of the Clapham vigil, have now started a fundraising campaign to raise money for women's charities: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/reclaimthesestreets. They are aiming to raise £320,000 - £10k for every cancelled vigil.

Sat 13 Mar 2021, 09:15

The suggestion this morning. To light a candle in your window instead.

Sat 13 Mar 2021, 08:19 (last edited on Sat 13 Mar 2021, 08:42)

I am aware of this Helen. I am currently in contact with the TVP.

While I am waiting for clarification, it is worth noting that it is not illegal under coronavirus virus legislation, no matter how much this government may want to ban protests right now. It is very much on the Metropolitan Police for not allowing it to go ahead.

This Twitter thread clarifies the High Court ruling.

https://mobile.twitter.com/legalfeminist/status/1370471062991998978

Sat 13 Mar 2021, 08:04

The Clapham Common vigil has just been cancelled (08:00 Saturday)

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 16:55

Gosh there's so much here.

Personally, I've done what I was taught and sent a handwritten letter of condolences to Sarah's family.  (via the Met Police - so not sure it will ever get there!)

I don't mind what others want to do, but standing around emoting, does what?  Makes each participant feel better I suppose.  It troubles me because if you don't emote then you feel bad.  I don't think that either Sarah, or her family would want that.  

I wish you all well, but I won't be there.

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 14:11

Emily, thank you for changing the wording of your News item. Nobody should be pre-judged - everyone deserves a fair trial, no matter how heinous the crime. The vigil should be about the victim and the crime, not the perpetrator. 

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:53

Helen - I have slightly altered the original news item. Yes, everyone is allowed a fair trial. However, I do not in my news item mention the officers name nor have I said anything that is not already readily available and accessible to the public at this time. 

The focus of the vigil as James rightly said is on Sarah, her family, her friends and other victims and survivors of harassment, stalking and assault.

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:45 (last edited on Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:46)

Nikki, as you can see from my original post on the forum and my news item, I have requested that all who attend the vigil on Saturday wear masks and socially distance and keep within in their bubbles. I want the vigil to remain safe to all those who attend and not put any further strain on the NHS. 

As to whether the vigil is against Covid legislation is a matter of interpretation. This is the statement from the organisers of the Clapham Common vigil.

"We have taken urgent advice from a group of human rights lawyers from Bindmans llp and Blackstone and Doughty Street Chambers. Their view is that the Metropolitan Police are wrong in their interpretation of the law and that socially distant, outdoor gathering of this kind can be allowed under the current lockdown regulations, when read together with the Human Rights Act."

Harriet Harman, QC and MP has also written to the Metropolitan Police in support of this view, saying that that “Parliament has not specifically acted to constrain the right to demonstrate, so long as social distancing is observed this vigil will be perfectly lawful”. She also stated that she plans to attend the vigil on Saturday.

As of today, Human rights lawyers from Bindmans, Blackstone and Doughty Street Chambers are seeking an emergency court hearing on Friday, arguing that the Met is wrong in its interpretation of the law. I am keeping my eye on the ongoing developments as well as keeping in contact with the organisers of the Clapham Common vigil. 

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:42

James, I am not missing the point. My issue is not about the vigil, but the wording of the News item about the vigil.

As currently posted. It states 

'Like most of you, I am both heartbroken and deeply disturbed by the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in London by a serving Metropolitan Police Officer.'

Nobody has yet even been charged with this crime, let alone convicted. 

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:30

Whereas this is a wonderful way to show solidarity with women and girls who have experienced this and for Sarah’s family, we do need to remember that it’s against the Covid rules. See BBC News for the latest on the Clapham Common vigil .

If Charlbury’s event is to go ahead, lets be very safe, staying very well separated, with people in family bubbles, and avoid grouping together to talk. 

Maybe some publicity at the Farmers Market tomorrow too ? 

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:28 (last edited on Tue 16 Mar 2021, 10:12)

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Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:03 (last edited on Fri 12 Mar 2021, 13:05)

Can we please respect the 'innocent until proven guilty'

Emily's news item states that it was done by a serving police officer - at the time of this posting no charges have been laid, no plea entered, no trial, no verdict.  Everyone deserves a fair trial.

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 11:58

Helen - Good idea. I have just submitted one now. 

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 11:44

I am so sorry Vicky, that is awful. I have mostly experienced harassment at work, however, like most women, I have experienced street harassment, cat-calling, and unwanted following. I was once assaulted in Charlbury on my way down to the station in 2015.

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 11:16

Emily - will you put an announcement in the news on this site or something?

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 10:35

I'm completely for it. I was assaulted on a street by a stranger some years ago. Nobody should feel it is unsafe to walk anywhere. I personally  feel such action shows people's outrage & compassion...

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 10:21

Looking forward to seeing you both, Emma and Grace.

Thank you James. 

Fri 12 Mar 2021, 09:12

I’ll come along, Emily! It’s a really good idea. 

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 21:40

Yes, great initiative, Emily. 

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 19:37

The vigil is on Saturday at 6pm on the Playing Close. The minute’s silence will be at 6.15pm.

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 19:26

Aminutes silence for Sarah and her devastated family. which day?

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 19:04

I’ll come to support

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 18:56

Thank you Helene. I have spoken to the women organising the vigil at Clapham Common and they said the aim is to have a nationwide minute's silence at 6.15pm. 

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 18:49

I would turn up Emily.

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 18:39

Jean, vigils are taking place all over the country including Leeds, Oxford (virtually) and Edinburgh. This is not a 'copy-cat' vigil. It is a way to grieve for Sarah yes, but also to grieve for and stand in solidarity with other women, like myself and many many others who have been harassed, stalked and assaulted in their day-to-day lives. I understand what you are saying but I am not trying to piggyback off the vigil that is happening on Clapham Common. 

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 18:09

Emily. With your best intention I believe that any copycat vigil will lessen the impact of the meeting on Clapham Common. This is where Sarah walked and I think it very fitting that friends will grieve while walking. We are all grieving  and praying for her and her family. I lived in Clapham I know the Common.  Just pray for her. 

Thu 11 Mar 2021, 11:47

Like most of you, I am both heartbroken and deeply disturbed by the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in London.

On Saturday at 6pm on Clapham Common, one of the last places Sarah walked through on her way home, there will be a vigil (socially distanced, with masks). The vigil is for Sarah, but also for all women and girls who feel unsafe, who go missing from our streets and who face violence every day.

I would like to propose a sister vigil on the Playing Close on Saturday at 6pm to show our support for Sarah and other women and girls who have experienced harassment, stalking or assault. Like the vigil on Clapham Common, this show of solidarity is open to men and boys as well as women.

What are people’s thoughts?