Greater Manchester Police have teamed up with the Violence Reduction Unit and other partners to launch the “We Walk Away” campaign. The aim is to stop men from throwing punches and to encourage stepping away to cool violent clashes before they spiral out of control.
Shocking statistics reveal the deadly toll of one-punch attacks in the region. In the last five years, Greater Manchester has seen a total of nine deaths caused by single-punch or push assaults. Additionally, 92 victims have suffered serious injuries. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need to change the violent nightlife culture.
Detective Superintendent Chris Bridge, a key driver of the campaign, said: “Our mission is to raise awareness and enable individuals to make choices that prevent needless loss of life.”
Sacha Lord, Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Advisor, also supports the campaign. He promises increased visible and undercover patrols in trouble hotspots during the festive period and New Year, which are prime times for trouble.
The campaign was inspired by a tragic story. Last year, Greater Manchester Police interviewed Debbie Wood after her husband Kevin was fatally punched outside The Printworks. The attacker was high on cocaine when he landed the fatal blow. Debbie’s emotional appeal urges everyone to think twice before reacting violently.
The “We Walk Away” campaign is a wake-up call to everyone enjoying Manchester’s nightlife: choose to step away from trouble, save lives, and keep the city safe. For more information, visit www.wewalkaway.uk.
Originally published by UKNIP.
