This drunken violence has to stop

I have been saddened by the news that New Years eve celebrations have been tarnished by drunken fuelled violence across our country.

In Sydney an 18 year old is fighting for his life after being king hit whist celebrating a night out in Kings Cross.

In Perth a 20 year old was stabbed to death after a brawl at a West Australian beach party with two other people injured.

In Adelaide, a 63-year-old man is in a critical condition after being stabbed several times in a New Year’s Eve incident.

A total of more than 170 people were arrested across NSW over New Years eve night and charged with offences including assault and robbery.

In Melbourne, 23 people were arrested in the CBD, while elsewhere in Victoria two drivers were arrested for travelling at dangerously high speed.

In Queensland, with 44 arrests were made and the Gold Coast had 92 arrests.

Police around the country have reported this year to be one of the busiest yet with the highest rates of head injuries and alcohol related injuries.

Kings Cross, director of emergency Professor Gordian Fulde said he feared the message about alcohol-related violence was missing its mark.

“The message is getting through but not to the people who need to hear it most,” he said.

“Unfortunately there are still people who have these brain snaps and hit people, causing the most devastating injuries.”

The 18 year old victim who was king hit in Sydney was one of 130 people treated by St Vincent’s Hospital emergency staff into the early hours of last night.

“Every hour we had at least two patients who had been knocked unconscious. There was a particularly nasty attack on a lady who was punched to the ground and then kicked. It’s not just violence, it’s brutality,” said Professor Fulde.

This drunken violence must stop. It is incredibly disappointing to see these high figures with so many ruining their New Years celebrations as well as the lives of many by a simple error in judgement.

The message really needs to get through to many to drink responsibly, look out for others and violence is never, ever ok.

What can we do to get the message across?