Violence is destroying young lives
In 2016, 19-year-old Pat was struck in the head with a Coward Punch. Two days later his parents made the agonising decision to turn off his life support.
Young people often resort to this kind of violence because they don’t know how to handle conflict and emotions. That’s where we come in.
Together we can end the violence
We understand how senseless violence devastates families and communities. That’s why we visit hundreds of schools and other groups each year to teach young Australians how to make wise decisions when challenged with conflict.
400+
Participating schools
80,000+
Engaged students
100+
Participating organisations
Violence Prevention Starts with Education
The Pat Cronin Foundation has impacted over 80,000 young lives
One of the only school presentations that I actually enjoyed.
Student, year 11
The students were silent throughout this whole presentation.
Teacher, year 9
It got me thinking of next time when I get angry never use violence because you never know what would happen. It was overall very touching and useful.
Student, year 11
Very powerful and delivered so effectively to the students and staff.
Teacher, year 11
Fantastic tool for enhancing harmony.
Teacher, year 11
I wish this presentation could be shown to all young people in their 20s, 30s and 40s.
Teacher, year 11
It was really interesting and moving.
Student, year 11
I think that our year level needed this.
Student, year 11
We found it very valuable and have referenced the presentation in follow-up conversations with students and parents.
Student, year 11
Everyone walked out with a different view on fights.
Student, year 10
It gave me the confidence to help people in these situations and always look out for others, especially my closest friends and family.
Student, year 12
One of the only school presentations that I actually enjoyed.
Student
How to Get Started
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What is the Coward Punch and how do we put an end to One Punch attacks?
Inflicting death and countless life-altering injuries, the Coward Punch is a serious and widespread problem in Australia.
Read more
The Coward Punch: Common Questions
What is the coward punch law?
Laws in states across Australia uphold the criminal offence of unlawful striking causing death. This has colloquially been referred to as the Coward Punch Law. Each state’s laws specify the definition and conditions of this criminal offence.
What is the one punch law in Victoria?
Interpreting the Crimes Act and trying to state the law is tricky business. The following links might help you in your own research but it is in no way legal advice. Please seek legal advice from a qualified person.
The Victorian law now stipulates that all cases of manslaughter by unlawful and dangerous act involving a single punch or a strike delivered to the victim’s head or neck, which causes injury to the head or neck, automatically constitutes a dangerous act. Section 4A, Crimes Act 1958 (Vic)
As stated by the Parliament of Victoria, “The provisions clarify that a punch may be covered by the new section even if it is part of a series of punches, and the death may be caused by the punch even if the death was the result of an injury from another impact caused by the punch/strike” Read more here.
A mandatory minimum sentence is now required: “Circumstances of manslaughter by single punch or strike, or manslaughter in circumstances of gross violence, arise a custodial sentence with a non-parole period of ten years must be imposed” Read more here.
What is a king hit and why is it referred to as a coward punch?
A King Hit is the same form of attack as a Coward Punch – a strike to the head or neck, often delivered from behind, usually unprovoked and without warning.
The term King Hit has been replaced with the term Coward Punch to reflect the shame a perpetrator should feel.
This stigmatises rather than glorifies the act. Altering our language contributes to changing the culture: it aims to deter people from engaging in this type of violence because they will be labelled a coward.
What is a one punch death?
A One Punch Death describes the tragic outcome of when a person is fatally attacked with a Coward Punch and dies from the injuries sustained during the attack.
What does the Pat Cronin Foundation do?
Our mission is to End the Coward Punch through social violence prevention education, by delivering programs for young Australians that promote positive behaviours. The Pat Cronin Foundation raises awareness about senseless social violence that fuels one-punch attacks.
What happened to Pat Cronin?
Pat Cronin was having a few quiet drinks after his first Seniors football match. When a brawl started to build at the pub, being a loyal and caring mate, Pat stepped in to pull a friend away. That was when Pat was coward punched in the head from behind. Read more.
Can you hit someone if they provoke you?
Violence is never the answer. Learn why with a Pat Cronin Foundation Be Wise Presentation and our Info Hub of resources.
FREE TEACHERS’ RESOURCE
5 step guide for discussing conflict, emotions and violence with high school students
This easy five step guide will help you prepare a powerful lesson for your high school class and will support you to confidently lead difficult conversations with students.
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