Zara McDermott

Zara McDermott Instagram – Today we hosted a very important day at @sohohouse for International Women’s Day. Thank you so much to everyone I came 💗 this day serves as a big reminder every year, not just about how far we have come as women, but also how far we still have to go. Conviction rates for stalking, domestic abuse and coercive control still sit at below 5%. One woman is killed every 4 to 5 days by her current or former partner. Domestic abuse is one of the leading causes of death for women. Shocking statistics, I know. But important and imperative ones to hear. I have been making documentaries about violence against women for the past 7 years; I have met so many brave and incredible women that have entirely changed me as a human being. I am not the girl I once was before meeting them. They have changed my life. They have opened my eyes to so many issues in this world; inequality on all levels that so many of us are naive and ignorant to if we haven’t experienced it ourselves. This IWD is not just about women, it’s about everyone. It is so important to take a minute to reflect and educate yourself on topics you may not know much about. It’s absolutely ok to not fully understand something you haven’t been through. But it is your duty to be accountable for yourself, and take steps to learn. It is your duty to not be intimidated by topics that feel too big and scary to understand. Today we had a very interesting discussion about what to do if a friend of yours is experiencing abuse in a relationship. In those scenarios; it can be challenging as a friend when you see them hurt, withdrawn, alone, and perhaps even protective. Some practical things you can do as a friend: BELIEVE. LISTEN. TAKE NOTES (keep a log of what he/she tells you, and when). HELP HER TO UNDERSTAND THAT LEAVING IS POSSIBLE. TALK TO A LOCAL REFUGE/ SAFE HOUSE. I also urge anyone to donate anything they can to a local refuge. Lots of women fleeing violent relationships leave with nothing but the shirt on their back. They may have children. Anything you can do to support these refuges and thus the women that need fresh clothes, a bag, toys for their children, etc, goes a LONG way. Thank you💗 @refugecharity | Posted on 06/Mar/2026 21:08:04