Research out today by Diamond, the
women's car insurance provider, reveals that at any given time, almost half of British women - 11.5 million women (48%) - feel
unsafe in their surroundings, with one in 10 claiming they feel unsafe most or all of the time. 14% feel vulnerable three or
more times a week, whilst the average person feels vulnerable at least two times a week.
The research, conducted by
YouGov on behalf of Diamond, the women's car insurance provider, reveals that almost nine in 10 women (86%) believe crime
levels in Britain are on the rise and more women than ever are feeling vulnerable on Britain's streets as a result (73%).
The shock findings show that it's the most day to day activities that leave British women feeling vulnerable. Just
being on public transport leaves almost half (45%) of all women feeling unsafe or vulnerable, whilst over a staggering six in 10
(63%) cite car parks as the place where they feel unsafe. Even the office fails to offer peace of mind, with one in 10 women
aged between 25-34 claiming they feel most unsafe outside their workplace.
The top five places where women feel
particularly unsafe are:
Diamond's Managing Director, Sian Lewis says: "Our research
shows that despite today's CCTV culture, many women still feel unsafe on Britain's streets. Ensuring you take precautions and
act sensibly is key in helping women feel and keep safe. As a girl's best friend, Diamond wants to ensure women across the UK
feel safe wherever they are especially when in and around their cars. In particular the shocking amount of women who claimed
they felt vulnerable in car parks has prompted us to find out more. That's why we're asking people across the UK to visit our
Best Friends Club website - /bestFriend/letThereBeLight.php - and help us highlight their best and worst local car
parks."
The research also found that half of all women who feel unsafe are worried of being attacked (46%),
whilst a third (30%) fears being robbed or mugged. 2% say aggressive begging makes them feel vulnerable.
In response
to these findings Diamond has compiled a list of actions women can take in order to feel safer:
