About Stop the
Coward Punch

We are on a mission to educate about the ramifications of the coward punch to make our communities safer

"If I can make even one person think before striking out, that’s a victory."

We see it so many times. CCTV footage showing the moment a punch is thrown and countless lives are changed forever.

Since 2000, well over one hundred and seventy lives have been lost in Australia from deadly blows to the head, and
hundreds more victims injured. The coward punch leaves a devastating ripple through society, mentally and
physically scarring family, friends and survivors for life.

We started the Coward Punch Campaign in 2012 to raise awareness of the devastating impact of this scourge in our society. Since then I’ve been overwhelmed at the support we’ve received, with countless entertainers, athletes, community leaders, politicians and everyday Australians joining the fight to stop the coward punch.

As a professional boxer, I know better than most what can happen when you punch someone. But there’s a world of difference between consenting athletes stepping in the ring with rules and referees, and punching an unsuspecting victim with no protection.

A coward punch is exactly that. Cowardly. It doesn’t matter if you’re drunk, on drugs, or if someone hits on
your girlfriend or spills your drink – there’s no excuse for such a gutless act.

And the truth is that nearly everyone who throws a coward punch regrets it in the cold light of day. Not only
can it result in jail time and tear apart families, no one wants to live with the guilt of having ended a life because
of a terrible split-second decision.

The STOP the Coward Punch campaign looks to educate people of the risks, so they don’t make a choice
they’ll regret for the rest of their lives.

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

Danny Green

The Stop the Coward Punch Campaign is a long-term vision. Our purpose is to facilitate a harm prevention project aimed at reducing the number of coward punch assaults through education and awareness projects. It’s time to erase the term “king hit” permanently and have it consistently referred to as a “coward punch” – because that is exactly what it is.

The Campaign to date...

With Federal Government,
industry, community and corporate support,
significant progress has been made to
Stop the Coward Punch.

World First Research on Coward Punch Violence

In collaboration with Monash University & the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Stop the Coward Punch Campaign has conducted a world-first benchmark study on Coward Punch behaviour, analysing data on all recorded coward punch incidents between 2012-2020 in relation to fatalities, survivors and perpetrators.

Active awareness-raising efforts

The clubs, pubs and alcohol industry continue to play an active role in our awareness-raising efforts – this is essential to help Stop the Coward Punch.

Adopted 'Coward Punch' as common term

“Coward Punch” progressively replaces the terms king hit and one-punch as common language for describing these cowardly acts by media, police and in Legislation.

2014 - Sentencing Amendment introduced

Sentencing Amendment (Coward Punch Manslaughter and Other Matters) Bill 2014 introduced to amend manslaughter laws.

2017 - First person sentenced under new laws

First person sentenced under new laws in NSW in December 2017, receiving a 10-year sentence for a 2014 coward punch.

Coward Punch Education

Coward Punch lessons are now taught in secondary schools nationally. These free teaching resources offer 44 lessons for years 7-10 and have reached over 100,000 students in its first year.

Say No to Violence in Sport

Coward Punch in conjunction with Perth Football League has released a 45 min online module that is mandatory for all players found guilty of striking to reduce violence in sport.

Coward Punch Awareness Week

Each year, Stop the Coward Punch holds a vital awareness campaign leading into schoolies and the festive period. The week aims to draw national attention to the scourge of the Coward Punch assaults in the Australian community, and in the process discouraging would-be victims and perpetrators from getting themselves into situations where the devastating impact of a single Coward Punch could be felt for life.

Community Service Announcements

Coward Punch has released four hard hitting, award winning TV commercials outlining the perspective from a fatal victim, a perpetrator and a family.

2022 Federal Government Funding

Provision of $1,000,000 over a four-year period by the Federal Government under the Prevention of Crime Act.

Top Tips to Stop the Coward Punch

Source: Victoria Police 2019, Crime Prevention, Resources and Fact Sheets

Walk away from conflict

you have a choice

Know when to stop

call it a night and go home

Stay alert

stay in well lit, public places with good security

Drink responsibly

know your limits

Use your common sense

Assess venues and leave if they seem too rowdy or risky

Report

Any aggressive or suspicious behaviour to security or authorities

Take care of your friends

Remove your friends from potential conflict situations before they develop

Agitated?

Breathe and calm yourself down – it’s just not worth it

How You Can Help

Become part of the movement by buying merch, joining our social media, attending events or requesting our education platform in your sporting club/venue/school.

Stop The Coward Punch

About Stop the
Coward Punch