© Merseyside Police
Liverpool is a city known for its vibrant nightlife, from trendy bars and live music venues to bustling nightclubs, attracting people from across the UK.
However, a disturbing trend on social media has recently emerged – the filming and sharing of videos depicting drunk, vulnerable women during nights out.
This behaviour not only violates the privacy and dignity of these individuals, but also exposes women to a culture of objectification.
In most cases, these videos capture moments of vulnerability and intoxication, without the consent or awareness of the women involved. These videos are then distributed across social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok where users are then able to leave harmful comments which ridicule, mock and belittle women.
The consequences of these videos can be devastating, leading to embarrassment and long-term psychological harm for victims involved.
Student, Emilia Ingram, 22, found herself to be a victim of this trend. She said: “It disgusts me to think of the amount of footage the perpetrator has of girls who are potentially more vulnerable.
“I was filmed and then posted for anyone to see and comment on, calling us ‘fat’ and ‘pigs’. How are women meant to feel safe?”
videos such as these are a deeply unpleasant
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell spoke to MerseyNewsLive.
She said: “While it is not illegal to film in public or to post online if it’s not revenge porn, videos such as these are a deeply unpleasant example of the way women are all too often objectified and sexualised in the public domain.
“It’s why we must do all we can to tackle misogynist attitudes and behaviours wherever they exist, and I continue to support calls for misogyny to be recognised as a hate crime.
“There are laws around harassment, and I would encourage any woman who feels as if they are being deliberately or repeatedly targeted to report it.
“Through our Safer Streets Merseyside campaign which runs across our region, focused particularly on our night time economy and public transport system, we are also working to make it clear that there is no excuse for sexual harassment and violence.
“Critically, Safer Streets Merseyside is also working to change attitudes and mindsets. By engaging with the next generation, we’re starting conversations early that are focused on encouraging long-term behaviour change.”
It is particularly alarming that this trend has been normalised. Instead of condemning such behaviour, some individuals actively encourage the sharing of these videos, regarding them as entertainment at the expense of others.
Not only do these videos exploit women, but they also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a culture of victim blaming.
Featured image © Merseyside Police
