Police in Nicola Bulley case accused of stereotyping women as ‘crazy’ after revealing menopause struggles

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police investigating the disappearance of Nicola Bulley have been accused of perpetuating the stereotype that women are “crazy” and “hormonal” after they revealed she had alcohol issues brought on by menopause. Mandu Reid, leader of the Women’s Equality Party, told The Independent it was “inexcusable” the police have “weaponised” the fact Ms Bulley was menopausal to “justify” her disappearance. Nicola Bulley’s family “During a women and equalities committee session, we heard how often women were dismissed as hormonal, a little bit unstable and blamed for their suffering - the move from Lancashire police feeds into this sexist dismissive attitude that is pervasive in society.” Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, co-founder of the KnowYourMenopause campaign, said the move was “appalling”. “This lack of awareness shows how much the police have to learn about menopause and the impact it can have on women.” The fresh comments come after Lancashire Constabulary faced fierce criticism from MPs and campaign groups in the wake of taking the “unusual step” of making information about Ms Bulley’s private life public in a bid “to avoid any further speculation or misinterpretation”.