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.

In 2015, 17-year-old Masa Vukotic was killed less than one kilometre from her home.  She was out running in a nearby park and a man killed her.  It was deemed to be a random killing.

In 2012, Jill Meagher was raped and murdered as she walked home after having some drinks with friends.

These three deaths have forced women to question their actions and behaviours.

Police have even suggested women should avoid certain places and walking alone at times to reduce the risk of being attacked.

It makes sense to want to reduce the risk. No one would wish the deaths experienced by these three women upon anyone.

It’s a bit like driving to the road rules. You can be doing 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 the people who are at risk of losing their lives because of another person’s actions.

Another social behaviour that has caused death is the coward punch. This typically happens at night, and involves men and alcohol. The campaigns around reducing the injuries and deaths from a coward punch have been targeted at those throwing the punch.

Women know they take risks when walking alone.  They grab their keys and hold them, talk on the phone until they feel safe or they simply don’t put themselves in that position. 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 programs and respectful relationships.

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