Sarah Gibbs, inspired by the sight of an elderly woman hiking solo, decided to embark on her own empowering solo hike in the Alpine region of Victoria. However, her experience turned traumatic when she alleged that a man assaulted her during the hike. In response to her report, the Victoria Police initially engaged with the public through social media rather than pursuing a direct investigation, causing frustration for Gibbs who felt that the police did "absolutely nothing" to address her concerns.

The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the safety of women in outdoor spaces. Following Gibbs' experience, other women have come forward with similar reports of assaults in the area, highlighting a disturbing trend. A sexual violence expert emphasized the necessity for police to implement early intervention strategies to prevent harassment or assault from escalating to more serious crimes, indicating that the current measures may be inadequate.

As victims like Sarah Gibbs step forward, this emerging dialogue serves to raise awareness about the dangers women face when engaging in solo outdoor activities, illuminating the need for systemic change in how these incidents are handled by law enforcement. The stories of these women underscore the potential risks of solo hiking, urging for enhanced safety measures and support mechanisms for female hikers in Australia.