Vigils take place across the Midlands to pay tribute to Sarah Everard

  • Pictures from Ashley Kirk

Vigils have taken place across the Midlands to pay tribute to Sarah Everard.

The 33-year-old went missing after leaving her friend's house to walk back to her home in Brixton in London on 3rd March.

Her body was found a week later and a serving police officer has now been charged with her murder.


In Nottingham, people gathered in the city centre to light candles and hear speeches about the issue of women's safety.

A similar scene also took place in Birmingham, where people gathered in Victoria Square, despite calls from police to stay home.

  • Pictures from Snapper SK


Since Sarah's disappearance, thousands of women have been sharing their anxieties and concerns about the dangers of being alone in public places.


Sian Steans from Nottingham knows first hand, like many women, what it's like to be harassed and verbally abused on the streets.

As a teenager she had to endure lewd comments from men while out walking - and now her daughter is on the end of the same unwanted attention.



Jessica Ford was attacked when she was 18-years-old. Credit: BPM Media

Jessica Ford from Dorridge is the reigning Miss Solihull International. She's also the survivor of sexual assault.

She was attacked outside a nightclub three years ago when she was just 18-years-old.

She was on a night out with friends in another city, when she was sexually assaulted by a stranger. Describing it as a 'traumatic experience', she said the attack took place when she left the club to look for a friend.

Jessica has vowed to use the experience 'as a positive' to help other women. She waived her right to anonymity as a victim of sexual assault and is now working with West Midlands Police and the Survivors Trust to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence.


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