In a press conference following the stabbing death of Masa Vutokic in a Melbourne park on Tuesday night, Detective Inspector Mick Hughes suggested that women should avoid this kind of violent crime.
“I suggest to people, particularly females, they shouldn’t be alone in parks,” he said.
The comment has elicited a widespread backlash because it implies that it is women who should change their behaviour to avoid being hurt, rather than men who should refrain from being violent.
The comments were described as “victim blaming”, with many pointing out that it was inappropriate for Hughes to reflect on the victim’s behaviour, rather than the perpetrator’s.
“I’m shocked and staggered at the victim blaming around the death of Masa Vutokic,” wrote writer Catherine Deveny.
“We won’t end violence against women by policing women’s behaviour,” journalist and commentator Clementine Ford wrote.
This sparked the hashtag #AdviceForMen, which subverts victim blaming attitudes by suggesting measures men could take to avoid attacking women – like avoiding alcohol and socialising as well as cars, parks and public transport and anywhere else an assault could potentially occur.
The #AdviceForMen hashtag exposes the illogical nature of our society’s attempt to police women’s behaviour in order to stem violent crime. It draws attention to the fact that the only change in behaviour that can stop violence is a change in the behaviour of those committing it.
“#AdviceForMen Keep earbuds in at all times to ensure you’re oblivious to the world around you thus reducing your risk of assaulting someone,” wrote one Twitter user.
“Being in a private home might make you kill your partner. Being in a park might make you kill a stranger. Avoid both places #AdviceForMen,” wrote another.
“Use a buddy system. If you don’t trust yourself, take a friend who will stop you from raping or murdering women #AdviceForMen.”
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