Today marks an international day to prevent violence against women, organised by the United Nations.

Following the deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa, along with recent incidents of spiking, women have been particularly concerned with their safety in recent months.

To understand more, Voice of London have been looking into the issue.

Take a look at what we found…

• What does a club owner really think of the spiking scandal?
• ‘Girls Night In’ boycotts criticised for stopping women from reclaiming the streets
• Things men can do to make women feel safer

We really need the Northern Line night tube back. I spent two hours on three different buses in the early hours of this morning, alone. The tube journey would have taken 45 minutes. Come on TFL, help women be a bit safer on their journeys home.

— Imy (@imybrightypotts) November 13, 2021

What is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women?

It comes as domestic violence against women and girls has become more common during the pandemic.

To bring attention to this, UN Women have started a campaign called The Shadow Pandemic.

The organisation states that “one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an immediate partner.”

As a result, they created the Orange the World movement to raise awareness on the issue. The colour orange represents violence against women and so the organisation is asking people to take part by posting on social media.

8 ways you can be a women’s rights advocate today, and every day! pic.twitter.com/apkIcsojHg

— UN Women 🧡 (@UN_Women) November 17, 2021

Words: Sarah Chaffey | Subbing: Megan Milstead