As the Australian press were busy trying to fan hysteria over the David Leyonhjelm vs Sarah Hanson-Young exchange, a more important story was developing in Melbourne. A 54 year old woman was sexually assaulted and stabbed in a home invasion:
Huge response from Police? Too late, as always. Another example of a woman unable to defend herself against physical and sexual assault and the only response is the usual line from Police about “we’re investigating.”
Furthermore, the nonsense argument we’ve seen the last few weeks that “oh we shouldn’t give people pepper spray because criminals might get it” is thoroughly disproven yet again here. Knives were used which are freely available in any kitchen. The nonsense logic that it’s better to be disarmed because someone might use it against you, when they already have the intent and capacity to harm, is perverse but unfortunately wide spread in Australia. Why delay the arrival of pepper spray/tasers/guns for an hour if at all, by calling the Police?
But thank god she wasn’t sprayed as well as stabbed and sexually assaulted, that could have ended badly.
Then there was this drivel from The Project’s Lisa Wilkinson:
“Wilkinson then went on to reveal the methods she used whenever she was alone late at night — a procedure women around the country knew too well.
“I got out of the car, I had my keys splayed between my fingers and I have a whistle on my keyring,” she said.
And while Wilkinson, 58, said she’s thankfully never had to use it, she remains vigilant and never lets her guard down.”
The same person that was collectively blaming all men for the death of Eurydice Dixon just weeks ago, admits she arms herself to protect herself against potential violent crimes. Hugely hypocritical from the anti-gun and anti-self defence Project.
Keys are virtually useless, Lisa. You know what might work – a pepper spray. Or a concealed firearm. Better not tell your anti-gun, deadbeat husband though.
To top it off, Leyonhjelm was on Paul Murray Live last Friday night to discuss the issue of self-defence and non-lethal self-defence items:
Yes, you heard correctly – Bronwyn Bishop advocating that women carry a hat pin to defend themselves with. If only Eurydice Dixon, Jill Meagher, Masa Vutkovic and the rest had a hat pin – it could’ve been a different outcome.
Not all of us can afford a door gunner on our private helicopter, Bronwyn. Must be rough in Point Piper these days.
Cynicism aside, the overall tone in the debate is a disgrace – we have a large section of the community who would rather remain defenceless and be a victim than fight back when their life is on the line, purely on some perceived notion that the criminal always wins so it’s best not to fight back. In short, cowardice.
If you want to rely on the Police to come and save you when you’re in danger, then you are quite welcome to take that risk. You have no business restricting good, law abiding people who wish to take responsibility for their own physical safety from doing so and that includes the legalisation of the practical means being available to them.
Personal responsibility needs to make a big come back in Australia, and nowhere is it needed more than the self-defence issue.
Absolutely agree, these attacks are still happening in Melbourne where Police response is minutes – of course after the crime is reported.
What about people – especially women in rural locations where Police are based in one town that covers a district of 7 or 8 smaller towns and large farming areas. Police response times are 30 mins plus, or the next day.
Of course these issues are not faced by the Politicians voting these measures, with many enjoying Commonwealth Protection Officers and Australian Federal Police at work and after hours.
If we can have a referendum for Gay Marriage, then it is time to have one for the right for Self Defence.
“I got out of the car, I had my keys splayed between my fingers “, well done Lisa, now if you ever have to use one of the most ineffectual self defence methods out there (one that forces a smaller, weaker person within the attackers reach to use it), you have already admitted to police that you were carrying those keys as a weapon, under the law the Police should charge you now rather than wait until you use them.
and re Bronnie and her ludicrous hat pin, see above re admitting carrying a weapon.
Carrying anything for self defence is illegal ladies, be a sport and just lay back and think of the common good.
or start voting for people who will let you defend yourself with adequate means, but that would involve taking some responsibility for your own life rather than just playing the odds and then virtue signalling when the little people die.
Last week I was coming home about half past nine at night and suspected that another car was following me and sure enough enough it was. I cut through a service station to get around a set of red traffic lights and it followed suit so I lost no time heading for the police station. I told the WPC who took my report that I’d be sleeping with the gun locker keys under my pillow, admitting I knew I was on shaky legal ground, but adding “Better be tried by twelve than carried by six” and she agreed adding that ‘our self defence laws are rubbish’ or words to that effect. So rest assured there are plenty of police who’d agree with sentiments expressed here.