Iconic landmark vandalised with important message

Photo: Philip Northcote

Residents of Plymouth Hoe were shocked this morning to find the iconic landmark and national symbol of Plymouth has been vandalised with the message End Violence Against All Women written with black spray paint.

Smeatons Tower - Smeaton's Tower is a memorial to celebrated civil engineerJohn Smeaton, designer of the third and most notable Eddystone Lighthouse. A major step forward in lighthouse design, Smeaton's structure was in use from 1759 to 1877, until erosion of the ledge it was built upon forced new construction. The tower was largely dismantled and rebuilt on Plymouth Hoe in Plymouth, Devon, where it stands today (Source: Wiki)

The message written on the lighthouse comes after the sad news of Sarah Everard's body being found in a woodlands near Ashford in Kent after being missing on 3rd March 2021. Sarah's body was found and identified on Friday 12th March 2021.

The finding of her body has started a chain reaction with in society after arrest were made and charges placed on a male police officer for the abduction and murder of Sarah. He is to appear in court on 16th March 2021

The delivery of this news caused people to campaign for safer conditions for women at night time and also an inquest into the structure of the police force.

Baroness Jones told peers during a LIVE government debate on Wednesday:

“In the week that Sarah Everard was abducted and, we suppose, killed—because remains have been found in a woodland in Kent—I argue that, at the next opportunity for any Bill that is appropriate, I might put in an amendment to create a curfew for men on the streets after 6pm

The 6pm curfew is now being debated heavily on social media with mix opinions from both men and women. Some saying ''Yes, teach the men a lesson'' and some saying NO, it's not all men that are willing to hurt women.

Baroness Jones mentioned the 6pm curfew in order to spark some controversy with a message along the lines of:

- Women are told not to wear inappropriate clothing to avoid danger.

- Women are told to carry alarms incase danger arises.

- Women are told not to walk alone at night incase of potential danger.

- Women are told safety in number when socialising.

- Women are told, if you find yourself alone, pretend to be on the phone to a man.

Throughout history it has show that the highest number of physical, verbal and sexual assaults on women walking home alone are performed by men. Society are now stating its time for that to change and women should no longer have to take those precautions to remain safe when out of their home at night.

What's your view? Comment below!