Tackling sexism and violence against women in society needs more than just passing new laws

The threats posed to women by men are not going to be solved by passing more laws to be enforced by often misogynistic police officers. Too often the response to any social problem in this country is to pass a new law, problem solved, time to move on. What has recently exploded in the response to the tragic death of Sarah Everard and previously the MeToo movement is the appalling way that women are viewed and treated by men. In it's worst form, this results in violence and death. Domestic abuse levels have shot up over the period of lockdown. Victims trapped with abusive partners. Meanwhile, funding for refuges has continued to decline. The one place, where women at risk can go. Fundamentally though male attitudes need to change. It is striking how many men, who consider themselves progressive and enlightened, still have a very strong attachment to holding power over women. The hunter gather profile still reigns in so many places. It has been noticeable that over the period of lockdowns, it has been the woman who has predominantly had to look after the kids, giving up their "other work." The woman has often been the hands on one, when it comes to home schooling. The pandemic period has in many ways set equality back. This is not to say things haven't changed over the years, with women getting more economic and social independence but there is still s long way to go. I still find it amazing to see the number of men, who cannot and will not do the most basic tasks of life. A sense that some have never grown up - always looking to find someone to replace their mothers. All, though, is not doom and gloom, progress is being made but it may not be as quick as some think. Women need more support in employment and at home in the domestic environment. When help is needed, like via refuges, that resource must be there. It will, though, be by making real changes in the way we live and the culture of society that things can alter. It is not just a case of more laws and more police, nor is it a problem of one specific part of society but for us all.