It’s time we include misogyny in our hate crime law

The murders of Sarah Everard, Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman shocked people up and down the country and led to calls tackle violence against women and girls.

But despite the overwhelming support across the country for ending violence against women and girls, no meaningful action has been taken.

In fact, according to the Counting Dead Women survey, since March 2021 when Sarah Everard was killed, over a hundred more women have been murdered. We have also seen the number of people convicted of rape falling to a record low.

We know that many of those who violently attack women are repeat offenders, their brutal attacks follow a pattern of escalation.

To protect women and girls we must recognise that all crimes driven by misogyny – from online abuse to snatching Muslim women’s headscarves in the street – are unacceptable.

They must be recognised and recorded as hate crimes.

When Community health and safety reps are working to keep workplaces safe for the people who work there, they start by naming and recognising the dangers accurately. We need to do the exact same thing across society when it comes to violence against women and girls.

That’s why I’m proud to join forces with Parliamentarians from across parties in the fight to include misogyny in our hate crime laws. This is a vital step in recognising and responding to the harmful behaviours women experience every day on the street, at work and online.

This is not just a technical matter. Treating these crimes as hate crimes will allow the courts to hand out tougher sentences for those responsible and show how seriously we as a society take these crimes.

I am asking you to support our campaign and ask your MP for support of the Newlove Amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.  To take action and support the campaign click here.

If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.