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 < Back Media Campaign Needed to Demonstrate the Consequences of Assault on Victims and Perpetrators Feb 1st 2006 NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has called on the State Government to develop a Multi-media education campaign showing people the consequences of assault. Dr Chesterfield-Evans suggested such a campaign in response to Bureau of Crime Statistic and Research (B.O.S.C.A.R.) data released today showing the recorded rates of assault have increased significantly over the past 15 years, while other incidences of 'personal crimes' have declined over the same period. "While B.O.S.C.A.R. have acknowledged the increase willingness of victims to report incidents of assault as a significant factor, they also acknowledged on page 3 of the report "The increase in recorded rates of assault… appears to reflect a genuine increase in the incidence of assault," he said. "It is time for the government to act and work towards long term strategies aimed at reducing incidents of physical violence. And in light of what has happened over the past couple of months in Sydney, we need to tackle this dumb "Alpha Maleness" pervasive in our society and remind people of the consequence of assault and how it affects their lives." "Similar campaigns have worked for Roads Safety, the QUIT campaign on smoking and with the Commonwealth government's initiative on violence towards women. Why not assault?" "We can start with looking at assaults buy people intoxicated. People need to be reminded that having a night on the town, doesn't mean that part of great nights entertainment includes beating the living day lights out of someone, just because they accidentally spilt your beer or look a bit different to you and your circle of friends." "While some may feel brave beating up an individual with a pack of mates, imagine if you were on the other end! For those few minutes of proving to yourself or whoever your a 'Hard Man' you will end up convicted and sentenced to goal, spending time with real Hardened Criminals." "Consider the phenomenon of Road Rage. Normal, everyday law abiding citizens losing their cool over some incident while driving, assaulting a stranger because they cut you off moving into your lane could land you 6 months in goal - You and your family's life is ruined. What was the point?" "People need to become more aware of the consequences of their actions and take responsibility. It is the duty of government to take the lead and demonstrate social responsibility." |
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updated: February 14, 2006
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