FEATURE: Sexual harassment is rife in London’s clubs. Are women too scared to go out?
By Elspeth Chapman, Lilly Fryer, Sara Fernandez Leon, and Hannah De Haro
Photo via Pixabay
London’s nightlife is under growing scrutiny as sexual harassment in clubs and pubs sparks public concern amongst young women.
A Drinkaware survey revealed that two thirds of women aged 18–24 have experienced harassment in these venues, prompting urgent calls for stricter safety measures and cultural change to ensure safer nights out for everyone.
For many students, moving to London is a new chapter, filled with opportunities to explore its vibrant nightlife. Riyna Mendoza, 20, a student originally from the Philippines, recently moved to the city and shared her excitement about “wanting to experience everything in London” including its famous nightclubs.
However, for a young woman the idea of going out at night can feel daunting. Mendoza mentioned that “staying with friends” is a good way of trying to stay safe in busy London clubs. She also alluded to the fact that “social media” spreads awareness of sexual harassment and highlights it as a useful tool.
Specific parameters for going out
Many women consider not going out in London due to the lack of safety they feel. Others have specific parameters they feel comfortable clubbing within.
Sofia Woods, a 24-year-old Londoner, says she rarely goes clubbing and when she does, her experiences have been “neither the best nor the worst.”
She explains that, compared to other countries where she lived during her teenage years, London doesn’t feel like the most dangerous place to go clubbing, but surely that means it’s entirely safe either?
“There are some clubs where I feel more at ease,” she says, acknowledging that some venues take safety more seriously than others. Despite this, Sofia reveals she has personally experienced sexual harassment in a London nightclub an experience that has had a lasting impact on how she navigates nights out.
Since then, she has changed some of her habits to feel more secure. “I prefer taking an Uber over public transport, especially late at night it just feels safer,” she adds.
Going out in groups
Megan Myers, 28, who works for Transport for London, enjoys London’s nightlife but only in friends’ company. “I only go out in groups,” she said. While Myers hasn’t experienced sexual harassment herself, she’s noticed it often especially on the tube whilst working late shifts.
“I see it all the time on my evening shifts, or on the way home. It’s upsetting,” she said.
Megan thinks more could be done by the police to make the journey home safer. “The clubs have security, but the police need to be made more visible at night especially around clubbing hotspots late at night,” she said.
Megan’s experience suggests there are still gaps in keeping Londoners and women in particular safe at night. So, what do the police have to say about ensuring safety in London’s club scenes?
INSERT IMAGE
