dailymail.co.uk
Knife Possession Among Women Triples Amidst Fear of Violence
A survey of police forces in England and Wales reveals a tripling in the number of women found with knives in the year to April—2,790—compared to less than 900 a decade earlier, with a 5-year-old girl among those arrested; this is attributed to the fear of violence against women following high-profile cases like the murder of Sarah Everard.
- What is the immediate impact of the tripling of knife possession among women in England and Wales?
- In the year leading up to April, the number of women found carrying knives in England and Wales tripled to 2,790, prompting concerns about women's safety. This increase follows the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard and is particularly alarming given that a fifth of those arrested were under 18, including a 5-year-old girl. The rise in knife possession among women is viewed as a drastic safety measure taken in response to widespread violence against women and girls.
- How does the increase in women carrying knives relate to the broader issue of violence against women and girls?
- The sharp increase in women, including very young girls, carrying knives is directly linked to heightened fear stemming from pervasive violence against women. Over one million offenses of violence against women and girls were recorded in 2022/23 in England and Wales, indicating a systemic safety issue. This alarming statistic, coupled with the tripling of knife possession among women, highlights the urgent need for improved safety measures and societal changes.
- What are the long-term consequences if the root causes of women's fear and the resulting self-arming are not addressed?
- The concerning trend of women carrying knives to feel safe necessitates a multi-pronged approach. Addressing the root causes of violence against women, such as misogyny and lack of protection, is crucial. Further, preventative measures, such as improved police response and community-based support systems, must be implemented to reduce reliance on self-defense measures. Ignoring this issue risks further criminalization of women and exacerbates the existing violence problem.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and initial focus on the increase in women carrying knives immediately frames the issue as a problem of women's actions rather than a symptom of broader societal issues. While the article later mentions violence against women, the initial framing influences the reader's perception.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but terms such as 'drastic measures' and 'dramatic measures' when referring to women carrying knives subtly frame their actions as excessive or unreasonable. The repetition of the word 'alarming' when describing the increase in children carrying weapons also contributes to a sense of heightened anxiety and fear.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the increase in women carrying knives but offers limited exploration of the root causes of this phenomenon beyond mentioning the murder of Sarah Everard and general violence against women. While it mentions bullying as a factor in one specific case, a broader examination of societal factors contributing to women feeling unsafe is absent. The lack of discussion regarding potential solutions beyond improved safety measures and the condemnation of knife carrying is also a significant omission.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as solely a choice between women carrying knives (and facing criminalisation) or remaining vulnerable to attack. It doesn't fully explore alternative solutions like improved policing, preventative measures, or addressing the societal roots of violence against women.
Gender Bias
While the article highlights the disproportionate impact on women, it could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of gender dynamics in violence. For instance, it could discuss the different ways men and women experience and respond to threats of violence. The inclusion of Pastor Lorraine Jones's story, while powerful, might be seen as reinforcing stereotypes about women as caregivers and peacemakers.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights a significant increase in women carrying knives, driven by fear for their safety. This reflects a failure to ensure women