Posters to appear in pubs and nightclubs urging Irish males to ‘Use Your Brains, Not Your Fists’

2017 saw the highest number of assaults in Ireland since 2008.

An Garda Síochána has launched a campaign to reduce the number of assaults in Ireland, particularly among young Irish males, following a significant rise in assault cases last year, A public awareness campaign, titled ‘Use Your Brain Not Your Fists’, previously launched last year, will be promoted again from Thursday, 19 July, and will be targeted at males aged between 16 and 35 in Ireland. According to Garda figures, 87% of offenders in assault causing harm cases in Ireland are male and 53% of offenders are males aged between 18 and 34 years. These assaults typically take place in and around public places (street, roads, pubs and hotels) between 8pm and 5am at the weekend, peaking early on Sunday morning. 2017 saw the highest number of assault cases in Ireland since 2008 and the figures this year are on a par with 2017 levels, figures which are linked to the vibrancy of the night time economy in Ireland, which has shown signs of recovery in recent years following the recession. As part of a multi-strand anti-crime strategy, An Garda Síochána is working in partnerships with licensed premises, the business community and local councils to address issues around anti-social behaviour. Posters informing young males about the consequences of assaulting another person – they could lose their job, their ability to travel, and even go to jail, as well as inflicting a potentially devastating physical and mental impact on assault victims - will run across social media and appear in pubs, nightclubs, sports clubs and youth clubs. Assault hotspots have also been identified by Gardaí and from early summer there has been a high visibility policing presence in these areas at key times. Sergeant Graham Kavanagh from the National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU), urged young men to think about the impact of their actions on themselves and others, and advised people to be streetwise when they are out and about. “The vast majority of assaults that occur are needless and avoidable,” said Sergeant Kavanagh. “They are usually carried out by males against males aged between 18 and 35. The peak time for these assaults is early Sunday morning. Don’t be that guy; use your brain not your fists. "Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people. Walk away and look for help. “Be streetwise when you’re out and about. Planning is key to having a good night out. Arrange transport to and from events in advance. Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back. Avoid walking alone and in dark places. Be wary of your surroundings and mind your property.” Sergeant Kavanagh urged assault victims to report the crime, which, according to the CSO, may be under-reported by approximately 40%. “Some victims of assaults, particularly men, are embarrassed to say they have been assaulted. I would encourage anybody, and in particular younger men, to report all assaults to An Garda Síochána. Anyone who has been assaulted will be treated with sensitivity by An Garda Síochána and it will be fully investigated,” Sergeant Kavanagh added.