New partnership to raise awareness of coward punches

SURFING Victoria has launched a new partnership with Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign to help raise awareness of coward punch attacks along the east coast of Australia.

The new partnership aims to reach those who usually would not make a terrible split-second decision to throw a punch, and their mates.

The campaign’s message is to remain calm, defuse the situation and walk away.

Since 2000, over 170 lives have been lost in Australia from deadly blows to the head, with hundreds more victims having life changing injuries.

The surfing community was rocked earlier this year by the death of champion surfer Chris ‘Davo’ Davidson who was attacked outside a pub on the NSW mid-north.

Davidson, who grew up surfing at North Narrabeen on Sydney’s northern beaches, competed on the World Surf League championship tour in 2010 and 2011.

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer, Adam Robertson said Davidson was a close mate of his and someone who contributed plenty to Australian surfing.

“Davo was a good friend, a big personality, and just such a naturally gifted surfer.

“It was a massive loss for the surfing community to lose him so early in his life, however hopefully through this partnership we can help raise awareness of coward punch attacks and the devastating effect they have on communities across Australia.”

Mr Green personally thanked Surfing Victoria for their recognition and support of the initiative.

“I know they stand alongside me in agreeing that there are fewer acts lower than punching someone who can’t see it coming.

“I implore people to think about the potential fatal ramifications of a single blow.

“If we can make even one person think before striking out, that’s a victory.”

As part of the partnership, Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign will be supporting partners of the Victorian Open Series and Victorian Longboard Titles.

Donations to Danny Green’s Stop the Coward Punch Campaign can be made via cowardpunchcampaign.com/