Measures to Reduce Violence at Major Public Events: New Year's Eve

Major public events attracting large temporary gatherings such as New Year's Eve festivities have attracted considerable media attention and public interest. The focus of these concerns have generally been on crowd related behaviours which have been characterised as being harmful or dangerous. The perceived severity of individual and collective behaviours associated with crowds are measured in the public domain by police and media reports. These reports cover the number and nature of incidents including accidents and injuries, arrests, underage drinking, vandalism and violence. Prevention and harm reduction strategies have been developed in response to these concerns and implemented incrementally in Victoria since 1986/87, targeting the Melbourne Central Business District and holiday locations. Situational harm reduction measures and other strategies utilised shall be identified and discussed using media reports, case and social impact study data.