Brisbane Women Speak Out: Terrifying Encounters While Running Uncover Widespread Harassment Crisis

A Brisbane woman's harrowing account of a Monday morning harassment while running in the Redlands has brought to light a pervasive issue facing female runners across the city, sparking renewed calls for greater safety and a re-evaluation of how such incidents are addressed.

Terrifying Ordeal on Birkdale Streets

Around 5:30 AM on Monday, Kate, a mother of two, was on her usual morning run through the dimly lit streets of Birkdale when she noticed a car following closely. The occupant of the vehicle reportedly rolled down their window and subjected her to a barrage of vile abuse.

While unfortunately not her first experience with harassment during exercise, Kate described this incident as uniquely terrifying. "I actually thought, 'You know what, I think today is going to be the day and I might not make it home to my family today,'" she recounted. Her fears were only alleviated when she ran towards some nearby shops, causing the man in the car to flee.

Kate's ordeal was compounded by her initial reluctance to report the incident. She revealed that previous attempts to report similar harassment had been met with dismissal, including one instance where a perpetrator was deemed "harmless." This time, she contacted Policelink and was directed to visit a station. The process, she stated, was arduous, requiring "three police officers and three separate phone calls" before her details were finally taken.

A Common and Enduring Problem

Kate's decision to share her story online was met with an overwhelming wave of support and similar testimonials, highlighting that her experience is far from isolated. One Redcliffe resident, Jan, echoed Kate's sentiments, stating that she has maintained an active lifestyle for over 60 years but refuses to exercise alone after dark. "When I was doing team sports we used to all train as a pack… and that's the only way you could do it," Jan explained, underscoring a long-standing culture of caution.

Katie Dall, founder of the Newstead-based Club KT Walk Run Club, which started in 2021 to foster community and safety, affirmed that harassment of female runners in Brisbane is "frequent." Ms. Dall asserted that the city is not safe for women wishing to exercise by themselves, even during daylight hours. She shared her own unsettling experience of a car slowing down near her while running alone near New Farm Park, forcing her to constantly strategize for potential danger.

Ms. Dall argues that police agencies need to do more to raise awareness and actively prevent harassment. "I don't like to say to women, 'Don't run there,' because why should we have to change our behaviour?" she questioned.

Shifting the Onus of Responsibility

Experts agree that the burden of safety should not fall on female runners. Dr. Bianca Fileborn, an associate professor of criminology, emphasized that women should not be made responsible for ensuring their safety or altering their routines when exercising. "The emphasis needs to be on the people or the men who are engaging in this behaviour in the first place," Dr. Fileborn stated.

While actions like informing others of one's route or carrying a phone might offer a sense of security, Dr. Fileborn noted that there is limited evidence to suggest these measures significantly increase actual safety. She stressed the importance of addressing the fundamental "structural and the cultural and social drivers of gender-based violence."

Living in a Constant State of Fear

Even prior to this week's incident, Kate admitted to living in a constant state of hyper-vigilance, perpetually "looking over her shoulder" regardless of the time of day. She described taking preventative measures such as wearing her hair in a bun to prevent it from being pulled and tight shirts to avoid being grabbed. "I shouldn't be living my life like that," she lamented.

The widespread resonance of her story, with nearly every woman who commented or reached out having experienced similar harassment, highlights the urgent need for change. "This behaviour shouldn't be normalised," Kate asserted, urging for a societal shift that prioritizes the safety and freedom of all individuals.

In response to the incident, local law enforcement stated that they are aware of the report and reiterated their commitment to community safety. A spokesperson confirmed, "Everyone has the right to feel safe. The QPS is focused on ensuring community safety and takes reports of suspicious behaviour seriously."