Binge drinking decline leads to less violence

Higher alcohol prices combined with a decline in binge drinking have resulted in a significant drop in the number of people injured in serious violent attacks in England and Wales, according to a new study.

Higher alcohol costs and binge drinking declines have been credited for lower rates of violence in the England and Wales

The annual survey, carried out by Cardiff University’s violence research group, revealed a 10% fall in the number of people injured in serious violence, while violent attacks against teenagers and children fell by 18%.

Furthermore, professor Jonathan Shepherd explained the statistics were part of a long-term trend showing more than 30% fewer people have required treatment from hospital A&E departments since 2010.

While the study cited a multitude of contributing factors, which lead to such declines, the fall in drinking – particularly binge drinking among young people aged between 16-24-years-old – was noted as a key factor in reducing the number of violent incidents.

In addition, the cost of alcohol was also recognised as a key factor in the lower violence and injury rates with people cutting back on their alcohol intake because they have less money and alcohol has become more expensive.

“These substantial year-on-year decreases in serious violence are welcome news for citizens and communities across England and Wales,” said Shepherd.

And yet it isn’t all good news; our findings suggest that the issue of alcohol-related violence endures, with violence-related Emergency Department attendance consistently at its highest levels on weekends.

“As we emerge from the economic downturn we must ensure that the affordability of alcohol does not increase.”

The survey analysed data from 117 emergency departments, minor injury units and walk-in centres who are members of the national violence surveillance network.