NSW: Fear of assault is hurting Sydney's evening economy: Prof
24 Feb 2009 11:39 PM
SYDNEY, Feb 24 AAP - Sydney's night-time economy is suffering because many people fear they will fall victim to assault, a criminology and criminal justice expert says.
University of Western Sydney professor Stephen Tomsen said fears of violence and people experiencing anti-social behaviour were limiting the types of Sydneysiders enjoying a night out in the city.
"Sydneysiders such as many women, gay men and middle-aged or older people are choosing not to participate fully in night-time leisure activities because they believe they will encounter aggression or have a higher chance of being assaulted," Prof Tomsen said in a statement.
"These are not completely irrational fears that we should dismiss out of hand.
"However, there is no solid evidence for a new increased level of violence or real general danger in the city at night."
Prof Tomsen said the fears existed even though there had been no increase in assaults or sexual assaults in inner Sydney from 2003 to 2007.
"People who have been on the receiving end of extreme aggression or incivility during a night out often feel unwanted or disconnected from the groups enjoying the activities," he said.
"Fear and unpleasant social encounters have many Sydney residents staying or heading home at night rather than out."
Prof Tomsen said an evening out in Sydney should allow for more than the traditional late-night binge.
"There's no reason why the night-time economy has to be limited to those who focus on drinking large amounts of alcohol," he said.
"There needs to be a concerted effort to encourage diverse night-time leisure activities and broaden the Sydney community that feels comfortable in their own city at night."
