At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Monday, a Brisbane mother known as Kate was on her usual morning run around the Redlands when she noticed a car closely following her on the dark streets of Birkdale. The occupant of the car rolled down their window and directed "very awful things" at her, according to Kate's account to 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast.

This incident was not Kate's first experience with harassment while running, but it was the first time she feared for her safety. She said, "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.'"

Kate expressed frustration with the police response to previous harassment reports, stating, "I've had some experiences before with reporting these types of things where my concerns haven't been taken seriously." After this latest incident, she contacted Policelink but was told she needed to visit a police station in person to file a report.

Kate's story prompted numerous responses to 612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast, including from Jan, a Redcliffe resident who said the experience sounded very familiar. Jan, who has led an active lifestyle for over 60 years, mentioned she avoids exercising alone after dark.

Katie Dall, founder of the Club KT Walk Run Club established in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster community connection, advised female runners to avoid areas such as South Bank and Kangaroo Point after dark, emphasizing safety concerns.

The incident underscores ongoing issues around harassment and the need for improved police procedures in handling such complaints.

Sources