‘I was arrested at the Sarah vigil’
Women’s rights activist and physics student Patsy Stevenson, 29, from Southend-on-sea, was fined £200 for breaching lockdown restrictions after being pinned down by officers during a vigil to honour Sarah Everard last March…
Why did you attend the vigil, Patsy?
When I saw the news about Sarah’s disappearance a shiver went down my spine. I instinctively wanted to be around supportive women, to show that victims of abuse and misogyny were not going to just be silenced.
How did Sarah’s murder affect you personally?
Several weeks earlier, in broad daylight, a random man asked me to get into his car. It was only when I took my phone out to film him that he drove away. This stuff happens to women on a daily basis.
How did it feel when you were arrested?
I’d never been in police trouble before, so I was worried I’d get kicked out of uni or stopped from working.
When did you realise that your face was all over the internet?
I was leaving the vigil when someone said, “You’re that girl – on the front page of the news.” I googled my name and there I was. I rang Mum crying and apologising that I’d been arrested. Celebrities posted about it. I received hateful comments and death threats. It was crazy.
How have things changed for you?
I’ve met so many fantastic women and activists who’ve thanked me for what I did. It’s opened my eyes to what’s really going on. I’ll never stop fighting. It’s part of me. I’m now focused on helping victims of domestic abuse and campaigning against violence against women.
Do you feel safer walking around London today?
Things haven’t changed. Statements were released to make people feel safe, but trust in the police has gone downhill radically. The Government needs to show people that harassment isn’t OK.
How do you feel ahead of the first anniversary of Sarah’s disappearance?
By speaking out, I don’t want to upset Sarah’s family. I’m not trying to get attention, I’m trying to help people.