It's OK to walk away

By Schoolies QLD | Updated: 29th April, 2017 | 2 min read

You have a choice. Avoid violence or risk serious physical, emotional and criminal consequences. A fight could ruin your life – or someone else’s. One punch can kill.

If your friends are having a heated argument that could escalate into a physical fight, you can help by following these simple tips.

Distract them with an activity or introduce them to another friend. Ask them if they want to get a kebab or go to the beach party. The security guards at the beach party will ensure your friend stays out of trouble.
Separate them to allow them to cool down.
Ask a police officer or security guard to help diffuse the situation. There are lots of people available to help at Schoolies if you need it.

If someone is trying to start a fight with you:

Create distance between you and them – face them and put your hands up and tell them you don’t want any trouble.
Breathe evenly and try to stay calm. Don’t engage with the bully if they are using verbal insults.
Slowly move to where there are people or police or security guards. Try not to turn your back to the bully.
Once the fight is diffused, leave the area.

Even if violence does not end in death, it can cause significant long-term injuries, such as brain damage. An assault conviction means you could end up with a criminal record, be sent to jail, pay huge fines and lose employment prospects or the chance to travel overseas.

Statistics show that young men aged 15 to 25 are the most likely to be assault victims or offenders. Be smart and don’t fight! Fighting can have long-term consequences, including jail time.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence sourced via www.schoolies.qld.gov.au