Aussies erupt at safety advice after two women were sexually assaulted while exercising: ‘What are we supposed to do?’

Australians have erupted over the safety advice issued to the public after two women were sexually assaulted while exercising. 

A 53-year-old woman was attacked by a stranger while swimming at Town Beach near Iluka Park in Mackay, Queensland, on February 3.

A 27-year-old was attacked weeks later while on the Bluewater Trail, a scenic path close to Iluka Park, between February 13 and 21.

Both incidents occurred while the women were using a park or beach for exercise around the same time of day. Police are investigating if there is a link between them.

Detective Inspector Emma Novosel issued a safety warning on Monday, admitting there was a ‘limited description of the offender involved’.

‘We have increased our patrols to ensure that everyone is safe, but, if you are going to exercise, can I ask you to take some basic security precautions that you would ordinarily do on a day-to-day basis?’ she said.

‘If possible make sure that someone knows where you’re going. If possible don’t exercise alone, and if you choose to wear headphones … make sure that the volume in those headphones is at a level so you can be aware of your surroundings.’

Australians immediately took issue with the advice, questioning why a tougher message was not being directed to violent men.

Activist and Australian Femicide Watch founder Sherele Moody claimed the message should have read: ‘Don’t hurt women: Grim warning for violent men.’

‘The message from police should be “Stop hurting women, stop being violent”,’ she wrote online.

‘The cops do not have to tell us to “not exercise alone” and to not “listen to music” while we run – we already do what we can to keep ourselves safe.

‘We have every right to run when we want, by ourselves or with others, and have our headphones on.’

Another person added: ‘What are we supposed to do? Just curl up and die? We can’t do anything, not even safe in our own homes.’

‘Instead of telling women not to swim or exercise alone or to turn their ear pods down, the message should be directed at men who assault women,’ a third chimed in. 

‘Don’t attack women, don’t sexually assault women, don’t threaten or approach women, and avoid being alone near women if your presence could make them feel unsafe.’

A spokesperson for Queensland Police said community safety is its highest priority. 

‘Queensland police take all reports of sexual violence very seriously and has dedicated support services and reporting options available for victim-survivors,’ they said.

The QPS works to prevent, disrupt, respond to and investigate sexual violence, while putting victim-survivors first and holding perpetrators to account.

‘Detective Inspector Novosel provided details of the incidents, as well as a broad public safety message to all members of the public to remain aware of their surroundings and consider exercising with others where possible.’

Detective Inspector Novosel confirmed the women had been taken to hospital for physical and psychological treatment.

‘As you can imagine, these women have been subject to a violent sexual assault,’ she said. 

‘The nature of these assaults can be quite traumatising for victims and I want to commend the courage of these women in coming forward.’

Investigations remain ongoing. 

Anyone who may have been in the Bluewater Trail, Iluka Park, or Town Beach areas around the relevant dates and noticed anything suspicious is urged to come forward.

Officers are interested in speaking with anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam, or other footage from nearby streets, car parks, or walking tracks.