Response to Simon Levy sentencing

We are horrified by the appalling crimes committed by Simon Levy against Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, Sheryl Wilkins, and another woman who survived a brutal rape and assault.

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, loved ones, and all those affected by this case. No words can lessen the pain caused by such devastating violence.

This case is a stark reminder that women involved in street sex work are too often exposed to extreme violence, exploitation, and harm. Women experiencing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, addiction, poverty, trauma, poor mental health and involvement in street sex work, are among the most stigmatised members of our communities. Yet their lives are frequently overlooked, and their safety is too often treated as less important.

The findings of the court are deeply troubling, but so too are the reported failings across the criminal justice system. It has been widely reported that Simon Levy had a history of sexual offending, was known to multiple agencies, and remained at liberty despite repeated opportunities for intervention. Criminal justice agencies have acknowledged serious failings in the handling of his offending behaviour and risk management.

A Way Out believes that every woman deserves to be protected from violence, regardless of her circumstances. Women who use drugs, experience homelessness, or engage in street sex work are entitled to the same protection, dignity, and justice as anyone else. Their lives matter. Their safety matters. Their deaths must never be regarded as inevitable or unavoidable.

We echo growing calls for a thorough examination of the decisions, missed opportunities and systemic failures that allowed a known and escalating offender to continue targeting women. Accountability is essential, not only for the victims and their families, but to ensure that lessons are learned and future tragedies are prevented.

This case should challenge all of us to confront the reality of violence against women and girls, and the additional risks faced by women experiencing multiple disadvantage. Meaningful change requires services, policing, courts and policymakers to listen to women's voices, take reports seriously, assess risk effectively and ensure that vulnerable women are not left unprotected.

In memory of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins, and in solidarity with all women affected by violence, we renew our commitment to advocating for safety, dignity, justice, and support for women who are too often pushed to the margins of society.

Every woman matters. Every opportunity to prevent violence matters. Every system must do better.