News.com.au has recently started a terrific initiative in an attempt to spread awareness, and lower the cases of violent assault in Australia. Binge drinking and alcohol related violence has become a real problem in Australia. On the average night out, it’s not uncommon for revelers to be witness to or involved in a violent confrontation. Security and law enforcement are being stretched thinly, and the public is becoming fed up with the behavior of a rotten few, intent on spoiling a good night out. Real Heroes Walk Away began as a response to a shocking set of events that occurred on July 7th of this year.
Sydney teenager Thomas Kelly was walking with friends through the nightclub district of Kings Cross, when he was violently set upon and beaten unconscious. Kelly went into a coma and passed away two days later. The tragic event is one of many, and highlights the wave of violence spreading through places that should be associated with fun.
The Real Heroes Walk Away is about taking responsibility to reduce the violence at our nightspots. People need to be more responsible with alcohol, and remember that a fight can turn into a tragedy at the blink of an eye. The standard of behavior needs to be raised. The initiative is seeking signatures to support the movement and your support is needed. The aim is to consult with relevant government and legal offices, to see what plans can be implemented to resolve the issue of alcohol related violence. At the core of the initiative is raising awareness and teaching people who are in potential situations of confrontation to be the better person and just walk away. The effect that alcohol related violence is having on out communities is disturbing, however through education and stricter enforcement this problem can be removed. We need to change as a society, in order to make this culture of drinking and violence unacceptable.
As a security company we see incidents like the one that happened to Thomas, occur all to frequently. In order for venues to run smoothly, return patronage is essential. Venues associated with violence and excessive drinking will loose customers. We all need to follow the Real Heroes Walk Away example and take responsibility for this problem. Venues need to ensure that RSA requirements are complied with and venue security handles situations promptly and with professionalism. A night out should be fun and those of us who operate in the industry should do our best to support and facilitate initiatives such as Real Heroes Walk Away.
