This article is from the June 28, 2019 of The Herald Sun Digital Edition, Reporter, AARON LANGMAID
MIDDLE aged men have been identified as the most common victims of coward punch attacks with alarming research revealing the average age is actually trending up.
Males in their 50s have been identified as the most likely to be targeted in random acts of violence.
The research from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine showed there had been 127 coward punch attacks in Australia from 2000-16 .
The study also found: ALCOHOL was a contributing factor in 73 per cent of cases; MOST deaths occurred at homes, pubs or clubs between 12pm and 3am; and NINETY-four per cent of victims were men.
A decrease in the prevalence of drinking in young people — and the success of campaigns to end the random attacks — have been pinpointed as a factor in the results.
Monash University Senior Research Fellow Jennifer Schumann said “While the data is focused on the number of associated deaths, just as many victims survive and few get away without permanent physical, mental or psychological disability.
“Survivors never really get better. They just learn to adapt.”
For complete article can be found https://www.heraldsun.com.au/.
and full Forensic Report can be obtained at https://presdatasites.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cowards-Punch-Research-Update-2019-a79.pdf