The tragic death of 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon has undoubtedly struck a chord with the Australian public, prompting an outpouring on social media.
For some, the aspiring comedian’s rape and murder has launched questions on what we can do to ensure this never happens again.
For others, the tragedy has sparked conversations about victim blaming.
In an emotional segment on The Project last night, presenter Lisa Wilkinson said: “the best way to prevent this crime and keep all women safe isn’t by changing the behaviour of women but by changing the behaviour of men.”
A powerful message shared on Twitter last night has revealed the small way men can make women feel safer on the streets at night.
Shared by human rights lawyer Jessie Taylor, the tweet said: “MEN OF MELBOURNE: Women are feeling particularly on edge tonight. If you find yourself in a space / situation where a woman might be wondering if you’ll harm her, JUST LEAVE. Turn around. Walk the other way. Cross the road. Do what you need to do to allay her fear. Leave her be.”
Women and men alike commended Taylor’s advice for men.
The tweet also made it clear that it’s a question some men have asked before – if I’m walking on a dark street near a woman, how can I let her know that I’m not a threat?
It’s a small sentiment. But it’s one that can make a world of difference.
Top Comments
Crazy idea but has any discussion ever been had with the perpetrators about what would have prevented them doing the crime?.what could society or individuals have done that would have stopped them?
There's plenty of talk about telling men not to do this but what way can this be done that hasn't already been done that would work?
As tragic as the individual event that happened is, all of this outpouring is ridiculously out of proportion with the true risk of being harmed or killed by a random stranger on the streets (which is exceedingly rare - and more rare for a woman than a man). How about, instead of building the fear to an illogical, hysterical level, we instead underscore just how rare this type of attack is using facts and statistics, and use that as reason why you should just go about your business all the same. You are, after, more likely to be killed by a shark than be killed by a random psycho out on the streets. Please, some perspective already.
First, it’s ok to be male.
It’s wrong to assign blame to all men in exactly the same way it’s wrong to assign blame to all Islam after a terrorist attack, which again is statistically very rare but also has horrendous impacts.
These cases do have parallels however, the perps seem to be either out on bail or parole and/or have a diagnosed mental health problem. So, if you want effective help from men, start a campaign for tougher sentances for violent crime and better mental health services and ask men to join in because that will actually get results and lower the attacks on all of us.
Threat is a function of intent times capability. Can’t really change capability, but we can make a difference by removing those with intent from the community..