Even more shameful is that the majority of the attacks will not be random, but carried out at the hands of their current or former male partners.

The domestic violence epidemic gripping Australia has finally been dragged out of the shadows – not least due to the efforts of Australian of the Year Rosie Batty.

But the dramatic upsurge in the number of Bendigo women taking self-defence classes demonstrates far too many still feel vulnerable.

A woman should not be required to arm herself with the martial arts-like skills needed to fend off an attacker in order to feel safe, whether it be in the home or out in public.

Self-defence classes no doubt have many positive benefits, building confidence and camaraderie among participants.

But such courses are still merely treating the symptoms, not the underlying causes, of an issue that tragically sees one woman a week killed as a result of intimate partner violence.

The reality is the men who commit these unspeakable acts are attempting to compensate for their emotional fragility by exerting their physical dominance.

Efforts to address the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence against women must commence at an early age.

Be it in the home or the classroom, the macho culture for too long drummed in our boys from the earliest of ages must stop.

If our young men are constantly taught to equate their self-worth with physical prowess, then is it any wonder they frequently turn to violence?

White Ribbon Australia is a male-led organisation campaigning to redefine masculinity among men and boys with the goal of ensuring all women can live free from violence and abuse.

Its message is that a “real man” does not raise his hands to a woman, but rather “cannot and will not sit on the sidelines while those they love are at risk of harm”.

Self-defence classes might have a role to play in reducing violence against women, but only a society-wide attitudinal shift among men will truly be effective.