Something to bear in mind on your next night out.
New Garda figures have revealed that assaults are on the rise again.
The figures were released along with a campaign urging people to "use their brains not their fists."
According to the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS), males aged between 18 and 34 are involved in the majority of assaults.
They usually take place in public places (street, roads, pubs and hotels) between 8 pm and 5 am at the weekend, peaking early Sunday morning.
International research has shown that the level of assaults can be associated with the vibrancy of the night time economy, which has shown signs of recovery in this country following the recession.
The total number of assaults decreased year on year between 2008 and 2013, but since then it has increased – last year saw the highest number of assaults since 2008. Assault levels to date this year are on par with 2017 levels.
Other statistics found:
• Minor assault accounts for the bulk of assault incidents (75% in 2017)
• Early hours of Sunday morning are peak times for assaults at non-residential locations
• Assaults linked to the night time economy up 1% between 2016 and 2017
• 87% of offenders in an assault causing harm cases are male; 53% are males aged between 18 and 34 years
• 76% of offenders in minor assaults are male; 34% are males aged between 18 and 34 years
• Low level of repeat victimisation (3%) for non-residential assault
• Higher level of repeat offenders (25%)
The public awareness campaign titled 'Use Your Brain Not Your Fists' is targeted at males aged between 16 and 35.
Stay safe, guys.
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