Detectives in Western Australia are investigating the assault of a 23-year-old woman while she was walking alone from Halls Head beach on Tuesday.
The woman reported the assault occurred while she was walking from the beach to her vehicle parked in the carpark at the end of Calypso Road at about 7.45pm.
An unknown man allegedly exited the bushes next to the path and followed her for a short distance before grabbing her hair and pulling her towards the bushes. The woman was able to break free and run to her car, as the man continued to follow her.
Police have said the woman drove straight to the station and reported the matter, with officials urging the public to help identify the offender.
The man is described as being aged between 30 and 40 years, of dark complexion, approximately 183cms tall, of large build and with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark coloured t-shirt and black pants.
Detectives are urging anyone who was in the area of Halls Head Beach and Calypso Road between 7pm and 8pm, who saw a person matching this description, or any suspicious activity, to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously.
Women’s safety
Women and gender-diverse people are too often forced to consider their personal safety when moving alone in public spaces, both during the day and at night.
It’s an issue that affects wellbeing overall, as people who feel their safety is at risk may experience increased levels of stress, anxiety and vulnerability, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In 2024, 36 per cent of women were fairly or very worried about becoming a victim of crime in their local area, which is up from 32 per cent in 2023, as seen in ABS data.
The ABS Personal Safety Survey from 2021-22 found women were more likely than men to avoid walking alone in their local area after dark because they felt unsafe, with the concerns reported highest for women aged 18-24 years (52 per cent).
Looking at the OECD Better Life Index, more than 80 per cent of Australian men report feeling safe walking alone at night, while the number for women drops to just 50 per cent.
The index surveys countries in OECD, which is a grouping of 38 nations with market economies (plus Russia, South Africa and Brazil). There are only six countries in the index with a worse ranking than Australia.