Mother urges reporting of catcalling to prevent tragedies like Libby Squire's

Lisa Squire, the mother of Libby Squire, has called for the public to report non-contact sexual offences, believing it could have prevented her daughter's tragic fate. Libby, a 21-year-old student, was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in Hull in February 2019 after a night out. Her killer, Pawel Relowicz, had a history of committing non-contact sexual offences, including flashing Libby weeks before the attack. This highlights the importance of reporting such incidents, as they can be precursors to more severe crimes. Thames Valley Police has launched a campaign named 'It Does Matter' to encourage young women to report these offences, which often go unreported. Historically, around 95% of such incidents are not reported, which hampers police efforts to identify and apprehend perpetrators. Assistant Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint emphasized that reporting these offences is crucial for public safety and can help prevent future tragedies. Lisa Squire believes that reporting non-contact sexual offences is a moral responsibility, as it not only aids in identifying offenders but also protects other potential victims. She urges individuals to consider the broader implications of their experiences and the potential risks to others. By sharing their experiences, victims can contribute to a safer environment for women. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of violence against women and girls, which is described as an epidemic in the UK. Police are committed to taking these reports seriously, encouraging victims to reach out through various channels, including emergency services and online reporting.