Ms. Dixon’s death became a feminist cause célèbre after some women accused the authorities of suggesting that women were responsible for preventing attacks against them.

After the attack, the police in the state of Victoria had urged residents to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions while out late at night.

“The message we would provide to all members of the community is to take responsibility for your safety,” Superintendent David Clayton of the Victoria Police said at a news conference. “Make sure people know where you are, and if you’ve got a mobile phone carry it, and if you’ve got any concerns at all call police.”

Superintendent Clayton’s comments were seen by some as unfairly blaming Ms. Dixon — who was carrying a cellphone at the time — for her own death.

“We get told all the time that we have to be the ones that have to be situationally aware — that we are the ones that have to protect ourselves,” said Tiara Shafiq, one of the vigil’s organizers.