Put an end to violence

Today I took one of my dogs for a bushwalk. Something I have done plenty over the last 15 years is walk my dog alone.

Today was different. Actually not even just today, this feeling of difference has been creeping up for a number of years now.

I feel nervous, anxious, paranoid when I walk alone. The car that drives past - I notice that it's a white early 90's Ford driven by P plater with wild brown hair. The second time it drives past I am looking at the number plate frantically trying to memorise it while placing my finger on the button to call on Siri to phone - my husband, 000, anyone.

Over my life time I have often been alone. In my house, walking to school, work or a friends house, or at work.

Now I have to wonder "Am I safe?", "Do I have an escape plan?"... I shouldn't have to feel this way. I refuse to be victimised by what is happening around the world yet it would seem the reality is that in part I can no longer sit by thinking that the world is not out to get me. I refuse to believe that it is at the same time knowing that maybe I am not safe. Now I have a knowing that I cannot account for the people who do not behave in an expected and civilised manner. People do exist that hurt us, murder us.

Violence against women is nothing new, but it's certainly in the news at the moment. Today we hear, only three and a half months into the year, that around 30 women have already been violently murdered. Women going about their daily lives, as they should, many never imagining the heinous acts that would happen to them that would take their lives.

Stephanie Scott
Jill Meagher
Masa Vukotic
Prabha Arun Kumar

These women are just the high profile ones. There are so many more. Stephanie was just at work, being conscientious and setting up for her replacement while she was on leave for her honeymoon. Masa and Prabha simply walking through a park. Jill walking home from a night home with friends.

I, like so many others, am left feeling helpless. Not that one day I may be murdered by someone unexpected or known, but that there is absolutely no way of knowing who may perpetrate such a crime. No way of knowing when, where or who may strike a fatal blow.

The only thing I can do is try and be prepared. Be alert to danger, have my phone on me and charged. Perhaps most importantly get the word out there that this is unacceptable. I will not stand for this violence to continue.

I have, and will continue, to instill into my son the values that all people should be treated with respect at all times. That violence is unacceptable. To have other peoples backs, to look out for one another. To not force himself onto another. And I will work to recognise that if I have failed, or something sinister should flag my suspicions about him, or anyone, I will speak up. Seek help.

No more violence, no more people injured, made to feel unsafe, lives taken.

Not on my watch.

Credits:
Destroy the Joint
ABC news
Jill Meagher
The Guardian - Rosie Batty's campaign to end violence
 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/apr/10/daughter-asks-what-is-rape-news-parenting