South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and South Wales Police Launch Joint Campaign Urging People To Walk Away From Confrontation

The South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Emma Wools, and South Wales Police have launched a joint One Punch campaign aimed at educating people about the risks and potentially life-changing consequences of violence and split-second decisions made in anger.

Produced by South Wales Police, the campaign has been funded through the Commissioner’s Violence Prevention and Reduction Unit (VPRU) as part of One Punch Awareness Week, reflecting the Commissioner’s commitment to preventing violence and creating safer communities across South Wales.

One Punch Awareness Week (5^th – 9^th October) is an annual UK campaign that raises awareness of the serious and potentially fatal consequences of single-punch violence.

By investing in and supporting this campaign, the Commissioner aims to encourage individuals to recognise when a situation is escalating and to choose to walk away, not towards violence, recognising that split-second decisions made in anger can lead to lifelong consequences.

Single-punch violence can have devastating outcomes, causing serious injury, loss of life and long-term impacts for victims, families and offenders alike.  No one should have to worry about violence when spending time in their community or enjoying a night out.

This campaign encourages greater personal responsibility, promotes positive decision-making, and supports ongoing efforts to create safer town and city centres and a safer night-time economy across South Wales.

At the heart of the film is a simple but important message: walking away from confrontation before it turns violent can save lives and prevent life-changing consequences for everyone involved.

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Emma Wools said:

“One Punch Awareness Week is a vital opportunity to educate people about the risks of violence and encourage them to recognise when tensions are escalating and choose to walk away before a situation turns violent.

 One punch is always one too many, and a split-second decision made in anger can have consequences that last a lifetime.

 That is why I am committed to supporting and investing in campaigns like One Punch Awareness Week, which encourage positive choices and help prevent violence before it occurs. This campaign reflects my priority of delivering safer towns and city centres across South Wales and reducing crime and violence, as set out in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan.

 Everyone has a role to play in creating safer communities. If you feel a situation escalating, make the right decision: choose to walk away, not towards violence.”