London is investing millions to make public spaces safer for women and girls. At the same time, the prison system is under enormous pressure, thousands of prisoners are being released earlier than originally expected, and prison governors are warning that some released prisoners are returning to jail at a rapid rate. So, what does keeping women safe actually mean? And perhaps more importantly - how much of women's safety can we realistically leave to the systems around us? London is spending...

Covent Garden is not somewhere most people associate with danger. It is a place people go to meet friends, see a show, eat lunch, shop and explore London. It 's busy, familiar and, for many people, somewhere they feel completely comfortable. And that is precisely why the recent incident on Endell Street is worth reflecting on, not because we should become fearful of public spaces, but because it reminds us that our environment can change very quickly. Safety isn't about being afraid. It's...

"Why didn't I say anything?" "I knew something felt wrong, but I just stood there." "I laughed awkwardly, even though I wanted him to leave me alone." If you've ever asked yourself these questions after an uncomfortable encounter, you're not alone. As a personal safety and women's self-defence instructor, I hear stories like these all the time. Women often blame themselves for not reacting "properly" when someone invades their space, makes inappropriate comments, or behaves aggressively. The...