"Help your mates to walk away." That’s the message of a new campaign being launched by Derbyshire Constabulary to prevent the tragic consequences of violence on a night out.
A statement from Derbyshire Constabulary said that a single punch can kill or leave someone seriously injured. The new campaign encourages self-control, support from friends and for men to walk away from heated situations before other people become violent. It also calls on friends and members of the public, to calm things down when it’s safe to.
The message is aimed at men aged 18-30, who are more likely to be involved in an incident – both as victims and offenders.
A few simple tips can prevent violence on a night out:
- Keep an eye out for your mates. You know them best, but if they're staring, shouting or squaring up, it's a definite sign to get them to walk away.
- A quick apology. We're often not our best selves when we're drunk. A quick apology on behalf of a friend can help clear up a misunderstanding before things can kick off.
- Step in. If you feel safe, you can step in and make eye contact with your mate. It can make it easier to talk them down.
- Ask for help. If there are other mates out with you, get them to give you a hand. The more people that stand up and step in, the more likely things will calm down. If things are getting out of hand, call 999. In a non-emergency you can call 101.
The campaign also features a quiz to find out what role men play in their group of mates.
Research shows that most incidents are caused by small triggers, something as basic as an error in judgement, a spilled drink, or a rude comment. Offenders and victims often do not know each other beforehand and in most cases, the offender has no criminal background. They tend to happen in busy areas between 11pm and 4am.
In Derbyshire, the campaign is being supported by extra patrols – by officers in uniform and plain clothes – around popular spots for nights out.
Detective Chief Superintendent Gemma Booth, of Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “We want people to have a great time in Derbyshire this Christmas. Tragically, a single punch can ruin lives and this campaign is part of a range of efforts that we’re making to make nights out safe for everyone.
“We have good relationships with our local venues and are working closely with them to ensure everyone in Derbyshire can celebrate safely. Some will be displaying these messages as part of a range of measures they are taking to make nights out memorable for the right reasons.
“People in Derbyshire can help us by sharing these messages. You can talk to the people in your lives and if you’re heading out yourself, know the signs when things start to take a turn for the worse. You can spot the danger and encourage your friends to walk away.”
Find out more on the We Walk Away website.
The campaign has been funded by the Home Office and is being coordinated through the National Police Chiefs' Council.