A newly launched campaign dedicated to women’s safety has raised concerns about the impact of immigration on female security in Britain.
Jess Gill, founder of the Women’s Safety Initiative, asserts that a significant portion – roughly one in four – of reported sexual offenses committed in the UK involve perpetrators who are not British nationals.
Speaking on GB News, Gill explained the campaign’s purpose: “Our aim is to shed light on what we believe is a deeply troubling and widespread issue involving attacks on British women by foreign nationals. We want to create a platform where women feel empowered to share their experiences and stories.”
The initiative has garnered considerable support since its launch, with Gill noting the overwhelming positive response: “We’ve seen an incredible surge of enthusiasm and engagement – thousands of likes, impressions, and follows already. I anticipated needing to convince people, but the urgency of this issue resonates deeply, and allowing women to speak out is incredibly powerful.”
Gill emphasized that the campaign has been approached by victims of grooming gangs who previously felt unable to come forward. “These are not just isolated incidents; I’ve spoken with women who have endured rape and sexual harassment, as well as victims of grooming gangs who feel silenced and unsure how to seek help.” She suggested a stronger response might deter such behavior, stating, “I believe many of these acts wouldn’t occur if the consequences included deportation.”
Gill shared her own experiences with street harassment, highlighting that women often face intimidating situations daily. “We encounter this on an ongoing basis. Simple activities like going for a picnic or walking down the street are fraught with unwanted attention – stares, following, and inappropriate remarks.” She further elaborated: “Just leaving my house has resulted in unwelcome comments. The experiences shared by my friends echo this; nearly every woman I’ve spoken to has faced similar situations—and while it’s often considered impolite to say so, these encounters frequently involve men who are not from the UK.”
When questioned about potential motivations for such crimes, Gill attributed them to cultural differences. “It inevitably stems from a disparity in cultural values,” she stated. “These individuals often originate from countries where women aren’t afforded the same level of respect as they are here in Britain.” She recounted her own recent experience: “Just last week, while on a picnic, I was repeatedly honked at and stared at by a man simply for walking across the pavement. We also had a man sit near us in the park for 15 minutes, staring intently despite ample space around.”
The campaign aims to prioritize women’s safety above political sensitivities. “When it comes to protecting women, that must be our foremost consideration, regardless of any perceived political incorrectness,” Gill concluded.
Here are some examples of the types of encounters shared by women:
- Being stared at while walking in public
- Receiving inappropriate comments from strangers
- Experiencing unwanted attention and following
- Feeling unsafe during everyday activities like picnics or walks
“It really underscores the severity and pervasiveness of this issue,” Gill emphasized.