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Alcohol and violence: shocking brawls in Bayreuth!
Several acts of violence in Bayreuth on June 21st: Police warn of alcohol as a risk. The focus is on physical confrontations.
Alcohol and violence: shocking brawls in Bayreuth!
There were several violent clashes in Bayreuth's pedestrian zone on June 21st, which once again point to the central role of alcohol in violent crime. According to a spokesman for the Bayreuth City Police Department, many of these incidents would probably not have happened without the influence of alcohol. In one case there was an argument between a 34-year-old and an 18-year-old from Bayreuth, both of whom were heavily drunk. The argument escalated and the 34-year-old punched the 18-year-old in the face several times, who then suffered a laceration above his left eye and had to be treated medically. The police initiated criminal proceedings for bodily harm against the 34-year-old.
But that wasn't the only argument that evening. There was a physical altercation on Erlanger Strasse between a 33-year-old from Bayreuth and a 36-year-old innkeeper, which followed an insult. Again, both men sustained minor injuries and the assault investigation is ongoing.
Alcohol and violence: an alarming trend
Recent incidents highlight a larger problem. As the website Zero Alcohol Full Power reports, alcohol plays a relevant role in serious crimes, especially violent crimes. Although the number of alcohol-related crimes has decreased over the past 20 years, the risk of alcohol-related violence remains high.
Police crime statistics from the Federal Criminal Police Office show that in 2021 over 50% of criminals who resisted state authority or committed physical attacks on police officers were drunk. The connection between alcohol consumption and aggressive behavior is statistically well proven, and the risk of violence increases noticeably.
Help for those affected
There are various offers of help available to people affected by violence. The children and youth hotline on 116 111 and the White Ring victim hotline on 116 006 offer free and anonymous advice. These offers are important points of contact for anyone who needs support.
The events in Bayreuth are a clear wake-up call. It is important to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol consumption and promote preventive measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Alcohol is often an accelerant in conflict-ridden situations, but there are ways to counteract this.