Scotland's Baroness Kennedy Leads Charge Against Misogyny as Government Considers New Law

In the aftermath of Sarah Everard's brutal murder at the hands of a police officer, Scottish feminist and QC Helena Kennedy has brought attention to the "epidemic" of violent acts against women through a protest at Scotland Yard, parading life-sized cardboard cut-outs of women killed by police officers or former officers since 2009. Kennedy, appointed by the Scottish government to address calls for increased protection and justice for women and girls, is leading an experts' review on whether to write misogyny into law, citing the need to tackle the "toxic culture that fuels male aggression" and hold perpetrators accountable.

Key Takeaways:

• Since 2009, 16 women have been killed by police officers or former officers in the UK, sparking a renewed call for misogyny legislation.
• Scottish law may attempt to tackle misogyny as a standalone crime, with the Scottish Justice Minister, Keith Brown, stating that such a law would "send a very important message" that sexist behaviors are not acceptable in society for men.
• Baroness Kennedy's experts' review will examine the definition of misogyny, how to punish it, and whether a single addition to law would be sufficient, as well as the policing of such a law.
• The test for a misogynistic act would be the perpetrator's intention and how their actions made women feel, with examples including catcalling, stalking, and objectification.
• In the case of Wayne Couzens, who murdered Sarah Everard, questions are being raised about the police's handling of his lesser crimes, which may have contributed to his ability to commit the murder.
• UK and international statistics show that men who stalk women are more likely to go on to kill, with 96% of women who are killed by a former partner having made complaints to the police of harassment or stalking or phone calls.
• Ridiculing women on social media is a form of "hyperventilating" abuse that requires attention, with Baroness Kennedy advocating for education and awareness to address this issue.
• The Scottish government's move to consider misogyny legislation coincides with a rise in domestic violence and sexual assaults in universities, with a recent survey finding that 59% of women and 20% of men had suffered sexual harassment or assault.

Statistics:

• 16 women killed by police officers or former officers since 2009.
• 96% of women killed by a former partner had made complaints to the police of harassment or stalking or phone calls.
• 59% of women and 20% of men had suffered sexual harassment or assault according to a Scotland Tonight survey.
• Only 300 of 2,343 rapes and attempted rapes reported to the police in 2019-20 resulted in prosecution, with 130 convictions.

Sources:

• Helena Kennedy, Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws, QC.
• Keith Brown, Scottish Justice Minister.
• Scottish government.
• Nottinghamshire police.
• Sue Fish, former Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire police.
• Scotland Tonight survey.