No time for blame game

WOMEN’S rights has been a topic of discussion the past week for the wrong reasons. Again the question of public safety and actions of women reared its ugly head. The rape and death of Eurydice Dixon in a Melbourne park is another high-profile incident that has brought the nation to a halt. The 22-year-old was walking through a park when she was killed.

(This and other) deaths have forced women to question their actions and behaviours. Police have even suggested women should avoid certain places and walking alone at certain times It’s a bit like driving to the road rules. You can do all the right things, but someone else’s actions can kill you. However, the road messages are always targeted at those doing the wrong things – not those at risk of losing their lives because of another person’s actions.

Women know they take risks when walking alone. That’s not fair. But it’s fact. Men also feel this vulnerability, while walking at night. Men have also been attacked and killed. However, the focus has been placed on the attacker, not the victim.

To have meaningful change, the conversation needs to continue to include both men and women.

We must continue to invest funds into domestic violence programmes and respectful relationships.

And then, maybe one day, everyone will be able to walk anywhere they want without fear.