Friday 12-03-2021 - 15:46

This week, we heard of the horrific news of Sarah Everard’s disappearance. We can’t imagine how her family is suffering, we send our love and thoughts to them at this time.

Sadly, Sarah’s disappearance has been a stark reminder of the everyday safety concerns faced by all women — with the experiences of trans women and women of colour remaining a key issue regarding women’s safety in society today.

Last week for International Women’s Day and throughout International Women’s Month, we continue to celebrate the achievements of women. We can’t help but point out that we have so much further to go to make sure women are no longer at risk, and the onus on women to protect themselves from potential violence has to stop here.

Some incredible work has already been put in place to support women and create positive change. We encourage everyone to have a look and get involved in these campaigns:

- ‘Misogyny is a hate crime’ campaign (@misogynyishate)

- ‘Our Streets Now’ (@ourstreetsnow_mmu)

- Manchester Students Against Public Sexual Harassment group

- Reclaim the Night Manchester - taking place next week

 

There are also these support services available to anyone who experiences any form of violence:

- Report and support service - for anyone who experiences any form of discrimination, hate crime or sexual violence.

- The Union Advice Centre - support is available for any MMU student (s.u.advice@mmu.ac.uk)

- Consent training - a free online course for all MMU students

- Pankhurst Trust - a project working with BAME women and girls

- LGBT Foundation - support for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans

 

Your Officer team x