We Need to Continue Discussing Sarah Everard and #TextMeWhenYouGetHome

MSNBC anchor Mia Rodriguez shared a poignant message in her video, highlighting a universal truth: “The tale of Sarah Everard resonates with the fears of countless women… It’s a stark reminder that no amount of precautions or smart choices can help a woman escape a system that fails to prioritize her safety.”

What Does #TextMeWhenYouGetHome Mean?

In a world filled with trending hashtags, the meaning behind #TextMeWhenYouGetHome is painfully clear to women and non-binary individuals everywhere. These are the words we say to each other as we part ways, offering reassurance as we venture into the night. We express this sentiment even when we’re in our own cars, because you never know what might happen—whether it’s a flat tire or an accident that could leave us vulnerable.

What kind of society requires us to confirm our safe arrival home? Why must a person with a female presentation navigate the streets with the constant dread of potential harm? Why is the responsibility for safety placed on women rather than addressing the root of the issue?

“I struggle to articulate how many women resonate with this right now,” said @sophietaylor in an Instagram post. “I can’t stop thinking about Sarah Everard and the fact that a woman couldn’t walk home safely. It’s simply unbearable.”

Why Does #TextMeWhenYouGetHome Resonate So Deeply?

Many have pointed out that Sarah did everything “right.” She wore bright clothing, left early, chose well-lit and frequented streets, and even spoke on the phone with her boyfriend while walking home. Women feel particularly unsettled because we take extensive precautions to keep our friends informed about our whereabouts. We share our plans, set up check-in times, and drop hints to dates or taxi drivers that someone is expecting us home, ensuring that we are not alone and will be missed if something goes wrong.

Women Have No Safe Spaces

Recently, a friend shared that she had given her 11-year-old daughter pepper spray and taught her how to use it. When her husband learned this, he expressed concern, suggesting that if there was a need for pepper spray, perhaps their daughter shouldn’t be going to that location at all. Shouldn’t they have a more comprehensive conversation about safety instead of just showing her how to use the spray?

My friend felt a surge of frustration. It’s as if she hadn’t spent years teaching her daughter how to navigate a world that often treats women—especially women of color—as expendable. As if there were any place that truly felt safe for girls and women.

For men who may not fully grasp this perspective, consider the insights shared by my friend Alex Morgan on how to be a supportive ally.

It’s disheartening that in 2021, women continue to fight for their experiences to be validated, create makeshift safety measures, and harbor anger over the ongoing struggle. How much do you want to wager that if this issue affected the safety of white men, it would have been resolved long ago? Until then, we are left relying on hashtags to voice our concerns.

For more on related topics, check out our other blog posts, like this one on privacy policies. You can also explore information about at-home insemination kits from Make A Mom or delve into the details of artificial insemination on Wikipedia.

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Summary:

The tragic case of Sarah Everard has ignited a crucial conversation around women’s safety and the hashtag #TextMeWhenYouGetHome serves as a reminder of the fears women face daily. This article highlights the need for continued dialogue and awareness surrounding violence against women, while also reflecting on the societal norms that place the burden of safety on women.