0 Sabina Nessa e1632812610137
PoliticsSociety

Violence Against Women Needs to End: The Death of Sabina Nessa

TW: Murder and Assault

Yet another young woman has been murdered. When will it ever be safe for women to walk anywhere, regardless of the time of day, without the ever-increasing fear of being physically or sexually attacked? It’s time to call on those in power and to re-educate everyone that this is not a woman’s problem. This is a man’s problem.

On the 17th September, Sabina Nessa, a 28-year-old young woman, left her home to meet a friend at The Depot (a bar) in Kidbrooke, South East London. In a devastating turn of events, Sabina never reached the bar. After leaving her home, Sabina was attacked and murdered while walking to meet her friend and her body was found the next day by a member of the public on the 18th September at 17.30 pm.

Consequently, Sabina’s murder has triggered, once again, a renewed wave of public anger as a result of the constant violence against women that persists in our society. Sabina’s murder comes six months after Sarah Everard was abducted, raped and murdered in South London by a police officer.

Scotland Yard released CCTV footage of a single man who was filmed walking close to the park, through Pegler Square, the night Sabina was attacked. Last week, two other men were arrested on suspicion of murder but were later released pending further investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John announced the arrest of this man with the following statement:

“Sabina’s family have been informed of this significant development and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.”

On 24th September, hundreds of mourners gathered for candlelit vigils in memory of Sabina all over the country. Sabina’s sister, Jebina Yasmin Islam broke down as she addressed more than 500 people with the following:

“Words cannot describe how we are feeling, this feels like we are stuck in a bad dream and can’t get out of it – our world is shattered, we are simply for words…No family should go through what we are going through.”

Sabina Nessa

People have continued to leave tributes and candles in Pegler Square. A book of condolence was opened on 25th September, near where Sabina’s body was found.

In response to Sabina’s murder, many have paid tribute and expressed their sadness and support to Sabina and her family.

Sabina Nessa

The Duchess of Cambridge has taken to Twitter in a very rare personal social media post, following Sabina’s death. Kate Middleton wrote on Twitter:

“I am saddened by the loss of another innocent young woman on our streets. My thoughts are with Sabina’s family and friends, and all those who have been affected by this tragic event. C.”

Twitter users responded to Kate’s tweet with the following:

“Thank you for speaking out on Sabina, as a fellow young woman in education, this particularly hit me. Sadly, Sabina isn’t the only one.”

Another commented:

“It’s appalling our streets should be safe for everyone another life lost so cruelly and she had so much to look forward to.”

Another stated:

“Thank you, I can’t believe this is happening time and time again. For Sarah, for Sabina and for all the other women who were killed whilst walking alone…we think of you and hope and try to build a better future for ourselves and our daughters. #ReclaimTheseStreets

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has consequently called for misogyny to be made a hate crime in the consistent murders of women within London’s streets and parks.

 

Author

  • Ellie Sheehan (Author)

    I'm about to start my third and final year at the University of Exeter, studying Classical Studies and English. I write regularly on my own personal blog and I'm on the Her Campus Exeter Committee as a Sex and Relationships Editor. I love writing about music, art, culture, relationships and current news.

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