In response to the events surrounding the death of Sarah Everard, women in emergency medicine special interest group (WEMSIG) recognises the wider problem of gender-specific violence. We advocate for and support women’s rights to live in a safe space, without having to change their behaviour to maintain their safety. We encourage public education about unacceptable behaviour that is threatening and misogynistic.

Women’s right’s protest in Trafalgar Square & Parliament, April 2021. After the UN survey found that 97 per cent of women aged 18 to 24 had been sexually harassed.

We still exist in a culture where women tolerate misogynistic behaviour (including sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape) in the workplace and outside. Women fear losing their jobs and being treated harshly by the criminal justice system as evidenced by a reduced number of rape cases being referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, documented in Dame Vera Baird’s Annual report as Victim’s Commissioner.

WEMSIG recognises the massive impact COVID -19 and lockdown has had on increasing domestic violence and femicide. We pay our respects to Sarah Everard and her family and extend it out to the wider community who have lost loved ones to gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Gender-based violence is EVERYONE'S problem.

We ask and will support our members (especially male members) to educate themselves and their colleagues around male violence towards women and how ‘socially accepted behaviours’, including ‘locker room banter’ contribute to this.

Educate Yourself:

BBC NEWS: Jess Philips: “Society has just accepted dead women.” Every year, Labour MP Jess Phillips reads out the names of women who have died as a result of domestic violence. Last year 118 women were identified. These figures are not actively collected by the government – activists have fought to bring these names to parliament.

‘Men! What can you do to help fight misogyny?’: Guardian podcast (30 minutes).

Men’s Health Forum: ‘Male Violence is a Men’s Health Issue.’

Jackson Katz PhD: activist on issues of gender, race and issues and co-founder of Mentors in Violence Prevention. TEDx Talk is available here (20 minutes).

Articles on domestic violence and gender-based violence.

Organisations to support you if you are a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or rape, or know someone who needs help:

Refuge: An organisation that assists women and children living with Domestic Violence and actively campaigns against domestic violence.

Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Women’s Aid

Support after sexual violence

Domestic Abuse Support for Doctors

End Violence Against Women Coalition

Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales: This is a code of practice that documents your rights to services following any criminal act.

Navigating the Criminal Justice System: A link to the Victims commissioner’s website. There is guidance and advice for survivors and witnesses of crime.