The tragic deaths of women such as Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, Julia James, Gracie Spinks and Bobbi-Anne McLeod, have kept the issue of violence against women and girls in the public consciousness. 

According to the 2019/20 Crime Survey for England and Wales, in 84 per cent of sexual offences the victim was female. Women and girls should not be fearful of being attacked in public places on a night out. This is a prevalent societal problem that researchers at the University of Portsmouth believe requires purposeful and forensic examination.

To do this, Dr Judith Fletcher-Brown and Dr Karen Middleton wish to openly engage with the night-time economy community and the general public, to understand the root causes and change long-established and harmful, attitudes, systems and behaviours around masculinity that perpetuate gender inequality and men’s violence against women.

Dr Middleton said:

“Some of this behaviour has been both created and maintained by night-time economy businesses where wrongful behaviours and attitudes, such as laddish behaviour, over-spills into violence. Thus, the fear of being unsafe at night and the threat of violence remains and places women and girls in an inequitable position in society.”

Dr Fletcher-Brown said:

“If you work in the pub, club, are a DJ or door security, or work for the emergency services, taxi firms, or a local takeaway, please contact us because you could really help this project. 

“Do you wish your employer provided a safer working environment? Do you feel safe
walking home after your shift and have you ever intervened in a violent situation? We’d love to know about your story.”

To take part in the study, please contact harriet.roxborough@port.ac.uk