24-year-old Southsea woman endeavours to end sexual violence silence
Created by Harriet Evens, Pompey Safe Space Scheme (PSSS) pledges to provide a safer community for vulnerable women in Portsmouth.
Collaborating with local charities, PSSS will register local businesses as ‘havens’ where women can go for support from experiencing sexual violence.
This project came after the outpouring of grief for Sarah Everard, after she disappeared while walking home in London. This prompted thousands of women to speak out about the dangers they face at the hands of men.
Harriet Evens said: “We do not feel protected by the institutions which are made to protect us.
“PSSS aims to educate and support vulnerable women, and raise awareness upon the dangerous culture that women are living through.”
A local survey was conducted and found that 89% of people said they knew someone who had experienced sexual assault in Portsmouth.
Harriet said the situation is “horrendous” in Portsmouth.
Femicide Census calculates that across the UK, 1,425 women were killed by men in the 10 years to 2018.
That is about one killing every three days.
“We must mourn these victims of sexual violence,” Harriet said, “PSSS was set up to give support back to the community.
“People are scared to go to the police, and need support from alternative places. PSSS is collaborating with other organisations to do this.”
Each ‘haven’ will have a trained member of staff that can signpost victims towards third party agencies.
They will be equipped to support their specific needs and guide them on to recovery. Victims will have access to a phone to call relatives, friends or a taxi.
For more information, go to @pompeysafespaces on Instagram.
