On the one hand, evidence shows that the consumption of alcohol by Australians (measured in litres per capita) has remained stable during the past decade and the pattern of consumption by Australians (14 years and over) has remained relatively unchanged. On the other, recorded assaults in the public domain in Victoria have increased by over 20% in the past five years to almost 14,000 a year.

The evidence strongly suggests that there are other underlying factors driving street violence rates and some are not being adequately addressed.

In identifying factors that underlie violence, it is important to distinguish between structural causes and trigger risk factors. Underlying structural causes are generally related to unequal power relations, trigger risk factors, in contrast, relate to situational circumstances that can exacerbate the likelihood of violence occurring.

In a structural sense, much social violence is gender-based – that is, linked to gendered power relations and constructions of masculinities.

The marked growth of what is referred to as the night-time economy is an example of a trigger risk factor. There is an interplay between this factor and alcohol consumption patterns. There is also a straight volume increase aspect; more people out and about at night lifts the number of interpersonal interactions (of any nature – good and bad), which in turn lifts the number of violent interactions.

Would be interesting to hear what everyone thinks…

It is not rocket science!! Close the drinking establishments / clubs etc by 12:00 at the latest.

Our culture and history lends itself to excessive drinking. Drinking to excess, not for the taste. Have a look at the history of England and Ireland. Do we want our culture to be awash with drunks and violence?? Or is it too late??

Anyone who has experience alcohol either directly or indirectly will know what I am talking about.

Take a look at more civilised cultures like Japan!!

Melbourne is an international embarresment at the moment.