Predators Escape Justice: Sarah Everard Inquiry Finds Failures

An independent inquiry, prompted by the murder of Sarah Everard, has exposed critical gaps in the justice system that allow numerous perpetrators of sexually motivated crimes to evade capture and prosecution. The report criticizes police inaction and a "scattergun approach" to reform, enabling offenders to "slip through the cracks" in an overburdened system.

Despite increased attention on violence against women, police forces still lack basic data on rape incidents in public spaces. Sarah Everard's mother shared her enduring grief and torment, emphasizing the immense work still needed to prevent sexually motivated crimes against women and girls.

The inquiry's findings indicate a "troubling lack of momentum, funding and ambition" in tackling these issues, with prevention efforts often remaining "just words." The report calls for urgent action, improved data collection, and a national awareness campaign to ensure women can feel and be safer in public spaces.