FEAR of being attacked by aggressive drunks isn't stopping young women from putting themselves at risk by binge drinking in public, a new study has shown.
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A series of interviews with women aged under 25 by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety revealed many were afraid a night on the town would make them the target of random abuse and violent attacks at the hands of intoxicated strangers.
Young women told researchers they were aware drinking alcohol made them more vulnerable to a wide range potential harms - including injuries from falls, hospital admission for alcohol poisoning, being hit by vehicles, violence and sexual assaults.
Crowded pubs and clubs, places with poor lighting, venues lacking security staff and places large groups of intoxicated men congregated were seen as unsafe by the majority of young women.
But researchers were shocked to find the young women attended potentially dangerous venues to binge drink for special occasions and during holidays, despite knowing the risks and fearing attacks.
The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey found about 10per cent of Australians aged 14 years and over were drinking at levels harmful to their long-term health. More than a quarter drank at levels harmful to short-term health at least once a month.
Alcohol-related harm is one of the leading causes of disease and injury in Australians aged 16-24.
Meanwhile, a study of 1000 Australians by alcohol abstinence movement Febfast found women were four times more likely to consume alcohol every day while on holidays, easily beating the blokes in the rush to the bar.
The number of women consuming more than 15 standard drinks a week tripled during holiday periods.
In comparison, the number of men who drank daily on holiday doubled.
Melbourne University public health expert Professor Rob Moodie said there was a disturbing trend over the past decade where women were often more risky drinkers than men.
ACT Policing New Year's Eve Operation Commander Superintendent Mick Calatzis said, regardless of gender, ''alcohol affects your judgement and awareness of your surroundings, and can increase your potential of becoming a victim of crime''.