The past was different and thank God for that

In the debate about women’s safety following the death of Sarah Everard, who was killed as she walked home after dark in Clapham, South London, Caroline Mendes (MetroTalk, Mon) talks about how her grandmother and trainee nurses in the 1980s carried a weapon to deter would-be attackers. Using such a weapon is actually illegal and, in the current climate, it wouldn’t surprise me if the intended victim were the one to be prosecuted.

Helena Newton, Redbridge

In the 1970s, I was frequently harassed with cat calls or whistles and followed on the street so I know what it’s like.

I made my mind up a long time ago that this behaviour is about a lack of respect for women. Boys are born to women and what do mothers teach them?

My generation of 1950s-born sisters saw their mothers spoil brothers and allow behaviour not even considered acceptable for their sibling sisters.

This was not uncommon. My friends at school frequently complained about the behaviour of the male members of their household. So all those women – mothers, grandmothers, aunts – remember: if you have young boys around you, teach them respect for your fellow females.

Laura Smith, London

I’m not sure about the suggestion by politicians to have undercover police in parks and clubs to protect women from predatory men and help them feel safe. That might be great for catching drug dealers but this is about women’s safety.

Surely the presence of highly visible and identifiable uniformed officers on patrol would help women feel safer?

And anyone could claim to be plain-clothes police.