A Brief History of Women's Rights in the UK
The long and ongoing journey towards equality and safety.
Why This Matters
The rights and protections we have today were not easily won. They are the result of generations of courageous women and their allies who fought against injustice. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the progress made and recognize the work that still needs to be done.
For survivors, knowing the history of legal and social change can be empowering. It shows that systems can change and that your voice is part of a long tradition of fighting for safety and equality.
Key Milestones
Act for Better Prevention & Punishment of Aggravated Assaults
Allowed imprisonment for men who beat their wives for up to 6 months.
Offences Against the Person Act
Made common assault an offence and criminalised inflicting bodily injury, with or without a weapon.
Matrimonial Causes Act
Allowed women survivors of violence in marriage to obtain separation orders.
Married Women’s Property Act
Gave married women the right of absolute control over their own money and property.
The Right to Vote (Equal Franchise Act)
All women over 21 were granted the same voting rights as men.
Rape Legally Defined
Rape was legally defined for the first time.
Equal Pay Act
This landmark legislation made it illegal to have different pay scales for men and women for the same work or work of equal value.
Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Bill Act
Required local authorities to provide welfare services to disabled people.
First Women's Refuge
The world's first safe house for women and children escaping domestic abuse was opened by Refuge in Chiswick, London.
Sex Discrimination Act
Made it illegal to discriminate against women in employment, education, and training, and gave women the right to maternity pay.
Race Relations Act
Significantly extended rights to prevent discrimination on the grounds of race.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Criminalised
The act of FGM became a criminal offence.
First Domestic Abuse Helpline
Established by Women’s Aid, providing a critical support line.
‘The Hidden Struggle’ Report
The first research into the experiences of black women and domestic abuse was released.
Marital Rape Criminalised
In a historic ruling, the House of Lords declared that it was a crime for a husband to rape his wife.
Violence Against Women & Girls Recognised
The UN officially recognised violence against women and girls as a human rights violation.
Protection from Harassment Act
New legislation introduced to protect people from harassment.
Occupation & Non-Molestation Orders
Introduced to exclude perpetrators from the home and prevent threats or violence.
First LGBT+ Helpline
Broken Rainbow (now run by Galop) set up the first helpline for LGBT+ survivors.
New FGM Act
Increased penalties and explicitly covered UK nationals who took children abroad for FGM.
‘Making the Links’ Report
The first national report by Women’s Aid on the impact of domestic abuse on disabled women.
Destitution Domestic Violence (DDV) Concession
Scheme introduced to help migrant survivors with No Recourse to Public Funds access benefits.
Clare’s Law
Gives anyone the right to ask the police if their partner has a history of domestic violence offences.
Coercive Control Criminalised
A huge step forward, making patterns of controlling behaviour a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act.
Domestic Abuse Act Becomes Law
Legally defined domestic abuse and recognised children as victims in their own right.
Time Limit for Reporting Assault Extended
Refuge, with partners, successfully campaigned to extend the time limit for reporting common assault.
The Naked Threat Campaign
Threats to share intimate images is now a criminal offence thanks to campaigning by Zara McDermott and others.
Online Safety Act Strengthened
After campaigning, the Act was updated to include duties for tech companies around coercive control and VAWG.
The First Survivor-Led, Privacy-First Safety Website
Guardian Angel is launched, becoming the world's first website to combine zero-knowledge encryption, comprehensive safety tools, and a survivor-led vision into a single, live and accessible ecosystem. It represents a new chapter in using technology to empower survivors.
- 1994: Founder, Becky Chadburn, is born.
- 2003: At age 9, has her first dealings with the police and makes a report of abuse.
- 2006-2007: Parents divorce.
- 2012: Completes Level 2 Performing Arts Award.
- 2012-2015: At age 18-21, is groomed.
- 2014: At age 20, travels to America on a whim and stays for 6 months.
- 2015: Works as a Care Assistant and Support Worker.
- 2018: Completes Level 3 & 4 in Health and Social Care.
- 2019: Achieves Level 1 & 2 qualifications in Warehouse Operations.
- 2022: Attends court for the first time.
- 2022: Completes Domestic Violence & Sexual Violence training with IDAS.
- 2022: Creates the 'Domestic Violence Movement' video and publishes the book 'Let Me Speak'.
- 2022: Registers 'THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MOVEMENT SANCTUARY'S LIMITED' (later dissolved).
- 2022: Conducts first video interview with the Mental Health Warriors.
- 2023: Attends court again, reinforcing the need for better survivor support systems.
- 2023: Completes 'Fundamentals of Domestic Violence' and 'Impacts of Trauma' courses.
- 2023: The Domestic Violence Movement is fully started.
- 2024: Creates the first prototype website and begins volunteering.
- 2024-2025: Serves as an IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) Champion.
- 2025: Completes Creative Industries course, gaining skills in web design, IT, and coding.
- June 2025: Releases her first music on all major platforms.
- July 2025: Guardian Angel Project is conceived and created.
- July 21st 2025: Guardian Angel is a registered company, and Becky Chadburn is appointed as official Company Director.
- 2025: Guardian Angel is launched, becoming the world's first website to combine zero-knowledge encryption, comprehensive safety tools, and a survivor-led vision into a single, live and accessible ecosystem. It represents a new chapter in using technology to empower survivors.
The Journey Continues
While great strides have been made, the fight for true equality and safety continues. Domestic abuse remains a widespread issue, and the work of organizations and advocates is as vital as ever. Guardian Angel is proud to be a part of this ongoing story, using technology to support the next chapter of empowerment.