Assaults causing harm rose by one fifth between 2012 and last year in Dublin.
Gardai have begun a nationwide appeal to men aged between 18 and 39 to use their heads and not their fists.
Juliette Gash reports;
According to the Garda Analysis Service, the vast majority of assaults are carried out by men aged between 18 and 39 against men 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.
- 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)
"The vast majority of assaults that occur are needless and avoidable,” said Sergeant Kelvin Courtney, Garda Community Engagement. "They are usually carried out by males against males aged between 18 and 39, during evenings and early mornings. Don’t be that guy; use your brain not your fists."
"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 to and from events in advance. 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.”
The following are extracts from Victim Impact Statements provided to An Garda Síochána by young male victims of assaults. They have been kept anonymous to protect the victims.
"Since the incident I think about the vulnerability of myself, my girlfriend and my family when out socialising or going about daily life. In the weeks that followed the incident I experienced disturbed sleep and anxiety.” Male, aged 29.
"Towards my friends I seem more easily scared, more anxious and more irritable. That is getting obvious regarding sports: I almost never got booked or red carded before, and it happens to me more often now.” Male, aged 25.
"Before the assault I was a happy go lucky guy, but since then I would describe my life as hell. Along with the terrible injuries that kept me in hospital for a long time, I have suffered from depression and paranoia and I still feel angry a lot of the time.” Male, aged 26.
