Knife Crime On The Rise

KNIFE CRIME ON THE RISE IN READING

By Daniel Hand

Knife crime in Reading is on the rise once again. On 31st October a man was stabbed to death on Romany Lane in Tilehurst and, just days after this fatal stabbing of Reece Heffernan, another stabbing was reported in Whitley thought not to be linked to Heffernan’s death. After a spate of stabbings earlier this year the knife crime problem in the town needs to be addressed more than ever. On Friday 12th November a community event was hosted by The MAP Partnership and ACRE held at The MAPP Centre to tackle knife crime in the Greater Reading area. The event was attended by people who have been directly affected by it and other volunteers who are working towards reducing Knife crime manace. The harrowing sculpture The Knife Angel, completed in 2018 by artist Alfie Bradley and made from 100,000 knives taken from over 200 knife banks that were provided by the British Ironworks Centre for people to anonymously hand in their weapons, is a stark reminder that knife crime tears apart communities and families. The Knife Angel has been touring around the UK since 2018 and is certainly a powerfully imposing structure. But with knife crime still rife, it is questionable whether the sculpture is having much impact. Last year, Reading celebrated Black History Month with a wide array of events that took place all over the town. The packed programme included talks on Knife Crime, theatre productions and art and cinema. The artists Aundre Goddard and Richard Bentley recorded a sound walk through the community and history of the London Street area, where the listener is invited to take an immersive stroll around Reading whilst listening to route instructions interspersed with local people’s tales of the diverse cultural hub of Reading. All theses activities were used to increase the sensitisation and awareness of Knife Crime in Reading and beyond.

SPIKING EPIDEMIC

WARNING: THE ARTICLES MAY MENTION SEXUAL ASSAULT/RAPE AND COULD BE TRIGGERING FOR SOME.

Reports of injection spiking and drink spiking are rapidly increasing. Spiking somebody with drugs or alcohol can have severe health impacts. Leaving victims vulnerable to sexual assault, rape or theft. Most cases take place in nightclubs where spikers seek opportunities to contaminate drinks with drugs, often GHB or rohypnol. Victims’ cases of course vary, differing experiences however all reports are equally frightening and disorientating. It is a growingly hostile place for women. Women report of not feeling safe in daylight, crowded areas, on public transport, in cabs, from police and still it seems women’s safety is not prioritized. Continuously being told to ‘’be safe’’ ‘’stay vigilant’’, the burden placed on women to stay safe is heavy. Anybody could be a victim of this traumatic crime, even someone who is considered ‘’safe’’ on a night out. Questions like ‘’why were you wearing that’’ ‘’why did you leave your drink unattended?’’ can be problematic responses and imply the victim has failed to prevent their own victimhood. Students up and down the country have responded in protest by boycotting their universities’ student night out. In Reading the movement was instrumental, demanding more rigorous searching and safety protocols. Following further reports of injection spiking, it is believed Reading University’s Student Union are working on refined safety and welfare measures to keep students safe on site. Clubs, bars, universities and authorities are aware of the genuine concerns and anxieties people may be experiencing and hope that with all the community effort and preventive measures going ahead, nights out will be a safer and positive experience again. Please continue to look out for each other, familiarise yourself with actions you can take, tell staff straight away if you feel or see anything suspicious happening. All security and staff are in the know and encourage anyone to come forward with concerns.

In Reading, it is believed MP Matt Rhodda is liaising with both Thames Valley Police and Reading Student Union clubs on this issue. The Student Union are believed to be increasing safety measures, including bag and random searches upon entry in clubs and bars within the student union. On the 22nd of October, 2021, it was stated in the staff portal that action is being taken after reports of puncture wounds and girls reporting being spiked with drugs; linked with venues on campus and off. They went on to state they have informed Thames Valley Police and offer full cooperation to find those responsible. Student welfare teams are there to support any victims of this crime. Alexander Veal, a Reading University student was asked, ‘’how did it feel different to you? In regards to security and protection measures within the student union clubs’’ Veal responded with, “the biggest difference was the body searches, and I believe they were for everyone, not just men. I think that at the moment it made me feel like they were acknowledging the problem although I would like it if they did more. In terms of the atmosphere I got the vibe that the students were more aware and ready to look out for each other which was nice.

But unfortunately I’ve heard some negative things about union and security going into the women`s toilet but I don’t know anyone who’s experienced that so I’m unsure about the details.” Thames valley police uploaded within the crime prevention advice- protect yourself from crime page on their website the following. Never lose sight of your drink, the main side effect is memory loss, if your drink tastes funny or has been left alone for even a moment do not finish it. Stay with your friends. Be a drink buddy, if a friend seems overly drunk or dizzy, stay with them until they are home and keep them safe. This being advice from police, it is a goal for the students from Reading University to have laws passed to ensure women’s safety is no longer overlooked. It is most frustrating to feel matters growing more urgent and fear mongering amongst women/girls however not to be believed, this is a running theme within sexual assault victims. It is important to question why it is in this nature of crime, we are so meticulously questioned and asked for evidence. When it is our bodies and minds that are broken into and stolen from us, we are then drilled for evidence however when its theft of a material item it is hardly questioned. This alone can take a toll on how we perceive our bodies, who they belong to and the inestimable value. It is not a woman’s responsibility to learn self defense or to learn how to not ‘mislead’ a guy in a club or how to dress appropriately to avoid being ‘vulnerable’, and by telling the women what they can do to avoid it, quickly shifting the blame onto the victim. Teaching both men and women the laws of consent, how to respect the human body, how to pleasure and that sex does not end at the male orgasm. It all begins with extensive education, open conversations and making education accessible for everyone. An increase in conversations at school from an early age would be beneficial. The opening times for the Florey Clinic, 21A Craven Rd, Reading RG1 5LE for sexual health and contraceptive services: Monday - Friday 9:15am – 4:30pm It is an entirely confidential service with a mix of male and women doctors/nurses. Conscious of your preference, they will offer support for victims of rape and assault as well as supply free contraception pills or medication. The Trust House, is a rape support centre established as part of the home Secretary’s commitment to opening up to 15 more rape support centres across the UK. The centre offers a safe place for those affected by rape and sexual assault. Support line: 0119584033 Email: office@trusthousereading.org For more information: https://stoptopps.com/victim-of-drink-spiking/

Mason Greenwood, a twenty-year-old footballer for Manchester United was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, and threats to kill after his former girlfriend, Harriet Robson, leaked videos and pictures of him on social media supposedly perpetuating these acts. This is not completely unusual in the professional football community, as there are numerous other examples of players being accused, arrested, and even convicted of different forms of sexual violence. These all highlight the persistent problem that remains in our society – domestic violence against women. It is crucial especially for young women to understand what counts as sexual assault|abuse. In England and Wales, the legal definition of sexual assault is when someone intentionally touches another person in a sexual manner without that person’s consent, and the touching can be with any part of the body or anything else.Sexual assault and sexual violence, in general, is not something that is spoken about enough in our late childhood|teenage years, and adulthood

- By Ifeanyi Ogbonna

is too late to begin these conversations. Not only is this because it would make women and men more aware what constitutes these actions, but research shows that the more we talk about this before adulthood, the less likely it is that abusive dynamics will occur. Two places are crucial for these discussions to happen: the home and school. If we have these uncomfortable conversations in places where they are not normally held, this will go a long way to beginning to tackle this large problem. The reason why it is important to highlight Mason Greenwood and other footballers is because perhaps when these acts are perpetuated by people of great influence or fame women may feel pressured to keep quiet or intimidated. Whilst looking at tackling the causes, we also must address the punishment one receives for these acts. The current maximum sentence for sexual assault is 10 years, with the offence range being 0-7 years. This does not go far enough, but education whilst in custody about sexual violence could be compulsory.

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