A leading Donegal Garda has appealed to young men to use their brains and not their fists.
Sgt Paul Wallace, Crime Prevention Officer for the county, is backing a national Garda campaign aimed at preventing vicious assaults.
Gardai are appealed to young males to think of the consequences for themselves and others of being involved in assaults as statistics show a rise in assaults in last number of years in line with the rise in the night-time economy.
According to the Garda Analysis Service, the vast majority of assaults are carried out by males aged between 18 and 39 against males of a similar age.
These assaults typically take place in and around public places (street, roads, pubs and hotels) between 8pm and 5am at the weekend.
Approximately 25% of incidents linked to the night time economy involved intoxication of either the suspect offender, the victim, or both.
Sergeant Wallace urged young men to think about the impact of their actions on themselves and others, and advised people to be streetwise when they are out and about.
“The vast majority of assaults that occur are needless and avoidable, they are usually carried out by males against males aged between 18 and 39, during evenings and early mornings. The message is simple ‘Don’t be that guy – use your brain not your fists’.
Analysis has also shown that the level of assaults is typically associated with the vibrancy of the night time economy which has shown signs of recovery following the recession.
• 83% of offenders in assault cases are male
• Majority of offenders are aged between 18 and 39
• 70% of assaults are male-on-male
• 75% of assault victims are male
• Street assaults typically occur between 8pm and 5am at the weekend
• Low level of repeat offenders (approx 3%), and low level of repeat victimisation (0.6%)
• Low level of reporting of assaults (approx 55% of assaults reported)
Operations and Crime Prevention: Assault hotspots have been identified and since early August there has been a high visibility policing presence in these areas at key times.
Partnership: An Garda Síochána is working in partnerships with licensed premises, the business community and local councils to address issues around anti-social behaviour.
Education: A public awareness campaign titled Use Your Brain Not Your Fists targeted at males aged between 18 and 39 goes live from today.
The campaign informs them about the consequences from assaulting another person – they could lose their job, their ability to travel, and even go to jail. It also reminds people of the potentially devastating physical and mental impact on assault victims.
The following advice was offered:
• Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people. Walk away and look for help.
• Be streetwise when you’re out and about. Planning is key to having a good night out. Arrange transport.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
• Avoid walking alone and in dark places. Be wary of your surroundings and mind your property.”
Sergeant Wallace also urged assault victims to report the crime, which, according to the CSO may be under-reported by approximately 40%.
“Unfortunately some victims of assaults, particularly men, are embarrassed to say they have been assaulted. I would encourage anybody, and in particular younger men, to report all assaults to An Garda Síochána. Anyone who has been assaulted will be treated with sensitivity by An Garda Síochána and it will be fully investigated,” he added.
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