Queensland Allocates $800,000 in Funding to Combat Coward Punches

July 8, 2024 TruthUSA

The Queensland government is allocating $800,000 over the next four years to combat coward punches as part of its Community Safety Plan to enhance the safety of local residents. This funding is a result of a partnership with the Stop The Coward Punch (STCP) campaign announced on July 7. The aim is to educate the community about the dangers of this act and reduce violence. The campaign’s educational package, introduced in secondary schools nationwide since 2022, will be supported by this new funding.

The state has seen a rise in criminal activities by adolescents, prompting concerns within communities. Both the state Labor government and the Opposition are committed to taking strong measures to address the escalating crime rates before the upcoming election.

What Is A Coward Punch?

A coward punch, also known as a sucker punch, is an unexpected and unprovoked strike delivered without warning in a situation deemed unethical. It can cause severe harm and even result in death for the recipient.

Recent data from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) indicates that coward punches have caused 172 deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2016. The majority of victims were male (94%), with an average age of 37. Additionally, 73% of the incidents involved alcohol and occurred on weekends, at homes, pubs, and clubs between 12 p.m. and 3 a.m. However, the VIFM highlighted that the fatality numbers may not fully represent the true impact due to challenges in identifying deaths caused by coward punches.

Response from Queensland Government

Queensland Premier Steven Miles has stated “enough is enough,” emphasizing the importance of changing attitudes and behaviors to address the issue. He stressed the significance of everyone feeling safe, especially when socializing with loved ones, and condemned coward punches as acts committed by individuals lacking courage.

Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Jacqui Honeywood highlighted the role of awareness and education in saving lives and preventing future acts of violence. Cooper MP and Coward Punch Board Member Jonty Bush, who lost his father to a coward punch, emphasized the need for further research to understand the impact of such attacks on victims, their families, and the broader community, including first responders.

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