Alcohol and violence

The Jubilee weekend is approaching. It is a time to celebrate. Please do not make it a time to regret.

Too much alcohol can make you act in ways that you wouldn't when sober.

This is because the way we process information is affected when we've been drinking.

We are more likely to misinterpret other people's behaviour and misread social cues.

Stop the drunken violence

In July 2017 a single unprovoked punch by a drunken yob killed my mum’s cousin.

A teenager lost his freedom as a result, my relative lost his life too soon, and the knock-on effect this has had on his family and friends, and the local community groups he helped, has been immense.

Please remember, just One Punch Can Kill.

Think about the consequences

Punching someone in the head can be just as lethal as being stabbed. A blow to the head can:

cause fatal damage to the brain;
cause someone to stop breathing, starving the brain of oxygen; and;
cause loss of consciousness due to striking their head on a hard surface.

Walk Away!

Make it a night to remember for the right reasons.

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

Don't drink on an empty stomach
Stay in control: The Chief Medical Officer recommends 2-3 units a day for men and women
Think about alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks
Stay hydrated: drink water before you go out, and during the night
Don’t leave your drinks unattended
Avoid trouble: alcohol can reduce your ability to think straight. Don’t be drawn into arguments, walk away!
Plan your night: tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Book a taxi before you go out.

Stay safe, Act Safe, but above all make the Jubilee a celebration for us all.