While Australian crime rates have fallen over the past decade, assault numbers have remained stubbornly high.

Alcohol is a huge factor in street aggression. Incidents can escalate quickly and often with extreme consequences.

Emergency and trauma physicians are worried about the cases of severe head injuries coming to Emergency. Some say that although assault numbers might be stable, the attacks are more intense and the injuries more serious.

Some experts think a change of culture is what's needed, but others believe legislative deterrents are the answer.

Insight looks at the nature of street aggression and assault in Australia, and how to tackle it.