Eugene Bareman Advocates Against Coward Punches After Tragic Loss

Eugene Bareman, head coach at Auckland’s City Kickboxing gym, is taking a stand against coward punches, advocating for increased awareness and stricter penalties for such attacks. In 2023, he established the Walk Without Fear Trust to combat this issue following the tragic death of one of his athletes, Fau Vake, who succumbed to injuries from an unprovoked attack in 2021. Vake’s attacker received a prison sentence of two years and nine months for manslaughter, highlighting the need for change in how these incidents are addressed legally.

The issue gained renewed attention last month when Daniel Nganeko was killed outside a rugby clubroom in New Plymouth. A 22-year-old man has since pleaded guilty to manslaughter and is set to be sentenced in October. These incidents reflect a growing concern about the prevalence of coward punches, where victims are caught completely off guard and left unable to defend themselves.

Since the formation of the Walk Without Fear Trust, Bareman has collected numerous accounts of such attacks. Many remain unreported, as victims often choose to “dust themselves off” rather than come forward. This silence can perpetuate the cycle of violence and minimize the severity of the issue in public discourse.

Bareman believes that raising awareness is crucial for changing perceptions and encouraging victims to speak out. He aims to galvanize community support and push for legislative changes that would impose harsher punishments on those who perpetrate coward punches. The impact of these attacks extends beyond the physical injuries; they leave emotional scars that affect victims and their families for years.

The recent incidents have sparked conversations about personal safety and the need for communities to come together to address violence. Bareman’s efforts are part of a broader movement to foster a culture that does not tolerate such aggression.

As the conversation around coward punches continues, the Walk Without Fear Trust aims to be a beacon of support for victims, promoting healing and resilience. Through advocacy and education, Bareman hopes to create a future where individuals can walk without fear of unprovoked violence.