FACTS
- What group are most likely to be at risk of a violent attack?
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Statistic show that 16-24 year old males are most at risk of violent attacks; young people are more likely to drink heavily at this age drinking more than the recommended amount. This age group are also more likely to cause violence due to weekend binge drinking.
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- What percentage of violent crime, including assault and muggings, has the offender been drinking?
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40%. Alcohol plays a significant role in many situations where violence or anti social behaviour occurs. An estimated 23,000 alcohol related incidents take place in Britain each week. You can protect yourself by not feeling under pressure to drink until you are drunk. Be aware that when you are drunk you may appear threatening to others – which in turn may impact on how they behave towards you. Avoid violence by talking your way out of potentially aggressive situations and avoid using aggressive body language or verbal communication.
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- How many teenagers aged 13-19 are admitted to Accident and Emergency each year with acute alcohol intoxication?
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Emergency hospital admissions caused by extreme drinking have soared dramatically to 50,000 per year in the past few years. Accidents are commonplace – as are fights caused by bumping into people who are easily upset by such things. If you are under the influence it’s more difficult to look after yourself properly putting your personal safety at risk.
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- Alcohol can impair your night vision:
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Alcohol not only reduces reaction times but it also makes it more difficult to see things in the dark by as much as 25% – which is something to think about when crossing the road or walking on uneven ground or stairs at night.
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- Who are more likely to be at risk of being mugged?
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People who have been drinking become easy targets for thieves. If for example you are walking down the street listening to your iPod and unable to pay attention, you are unlikely to see trouble approaching if you are under the influence of alcohol. You might think you look cool to some but to a thief you will look like the perfect victim.
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- You have been out drinking with your mates, it's late and they have left you alone. You should?
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Take the busiest route even if it takes longer, always avoid shortcuts through parks, waste ground or alleys. Remember alcohol is a depressant drug and slows down our reactions to danger. Always avoid deserted places if possible. It is a good idea to phone your parents/carer as potentially being in trouble with them is better than being in danger.
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- You are out drinking in the park with friends it’s really cold and you have no coat. What should you do?
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Although it makes us feel warmer, alcohol lowers core body temperature and you should get out of the cold or wrap up well. People who fall asleep drunk outside are at risk of hypothermia and death. Even if they're still awake but it's a cold night, there's still serious risk of hypothermia if you're not dressed for the weather. Hypothermia itself makes people sleepy as the body's main functions start to shut down.
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- Your friend is so drunk they cant be roused?
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If someone you are with falls unconscious and can't be roused, turn them on their side and call 999. Make sure they are warm – alcohol lowers body temperature and increases risk of hyperthermia. Cover them with a coat or blanket and don’t leave them on their own until help arrives.
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- What should you think about before you go out?
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Before going out make sure you know how you are getting home and make arrangements in advance such as booking a taxi/lift or knowing the time of buses. Know where you are going and if possible make sure someone else knows where you are going too. Make sure your mobile is charged and has credit and remember to keep enough money for your bus or taxi journey home.
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- If you feel something is “not quite right” about a situation even if your friends don’t seem bothered by it, you:
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Should trust your instincts they are there to warn you. If something doesn’t feel right TRUST YOUR FEELINGS and leave the situation. Alcohol dulls your instincts and awareness of danger so depending on how much you and your friends have been drinking the situation may seem different to each one.
Stay in control of your drinking, remember that you are more vulnerable when you’re drunk and some people are prepared to take advantage of this.
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