NEVER AGAIN
» Demands for overhaul of justice system & policing to protect women » Urgent action vital to make streets safe.. as killer cop told he will die in jail
DEMANDS grew for a radical overhaul of policing after Sarah Everard’s killer was told he will die in jail.
Met Police boss Cressida Dick faced calls to quit after ex-officer Wayne Couzens was handed a whole-life term for the murder. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “This must never happen again.”
The fact it was committed by a serving police officer makes it all the more distressing.
While the Everard family can take some comfort from knowing Wayne Couzens will die in jail they will not properly receive justice until there is a fundamental reform of the police and criminal justice system.
These institutions have not just failed Sarah, they have failed thousands of women and girls.
Since her brutal killing a further 80 women have died at the hands of men. Tens of thousands more have been victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse and harassment.
This national scandal should prompt everyone to look into their souls and ask why half the population is treated so disgracefully. Change must start with the police. Met chief Cressida Dick’s words of regret will count for nothing until she overhauls the force’s culture.
We must know why the vetting process for Couzens failed and why police turned failed to act after his
indecent exposure incidents. But it is not just the police at fault.
Violence against women and girls has reached epidemic levels but the number of prosecutions is pathetic.
No wonder women have lost faith in authorities and do not feel safe.
They should not be afraid to walk home at night, fearing they will be pestered or attacked because of their sex. It should be a basic right.