Chrissy Lowry, 56, from Stroud, has been working with a team of volunteers known as 'Night Angels' to protect women and girls at night. This initiative began following a worrying increase in sexual harassment and assaults in the city in 2022. Stroud, which was named the best place to live in the UK in 2021, had become the scene of horrific incidents.
Formation of the Night Angels group
After three incidents of public sexual assault and several other serious harassment cases, a group of local women decided to take action. Chrissy Lowry, the founder of the Night Angels project, says: "Women were no longer going out alone and often carried personal alarms and house keys for safety." She also mentions an incident where her daughter was harassed by an unknown man, which motivated her to start this group.
Supporting women in dangerous nights
The Night Angels group operates as an independent social project, aiming to provide safety and support for women during nighttime hours. Equipped with basic medical supplies, first aid kits, and safety tools, the group assists women in times of danger. Chrissy explains: "We patrol from 11 PM to 4 AM, or even later on Fridays and Saturdays. Our goal is to reduce the pressure on emergency services."
The Night Angels split into teams of two or more and are easily identifiable in bright-colored uniforms. These uniforms symbolize love and care for the community. Chrissy says: "We are seen as motherly figures and feel comfortable in this role."
Community response and future plans
Following a tense community meeting where 300 angry women pressured local officials, Chrissy and other group members were able to collaborate with local authorities to launch the 'Safe Space' initiative. This program allows women and girls to seek refuge in places like shops, cafes, and restaurants and access immediate assistance.
Chrissy Lowry believes that these efforts are not limited to women; men are also supported in these initiatives. She states: "If men are harmed in altercations, we help them too and provide first aid services."
Training to join the Night Angels group is very serious and typically lasts about a year. The group operates independently but works closely with emergency services.
