SINCE falling victim to drunken violence in 2009, Cabarita teen Sam Ford, now 22, has shown Australia the hard way just what a single punch can do.

One hit from Damian Robert James Ford (not related) changed Sam's life dramatically, leading him down a long path of rehabilitation.

Years later, the nation has agreed something must to be done to curb drunken violence - but the search for a blanket solution has so far been fruitless.

Sam's father Michael said it was difficult to find a solution, with so many contributing factors.

"Times are so different now," Mr Ford said.

"Clubs weren't allowed to be open so late."

Mr Ford said when he was Sam's age, many clubs would be closed by 10pm - midnight at the latest.

He said the cocktail of drugs readily available to party goers didn't help - but fixing the problem was no simple issue.

"You can't pinpoint why people do it," Mr Ford said.

Health Academy Australia crime psychology specialist Justine Boss said Australian communities needed to be serious about stamping out alcohol-fuelled violence.

Ms Boss said much of Australia's drunken violence could be attributed to a toxic cycle of alcohol and drug abuse and learned aggression.

"It's a community effort; it's all about education," Ms Boss said.

"I was pleased to hear about the introduction of tougher sentencing in NSW."

Last month, the NSW government introduced new "one-punch laws", including eight-year minimum sentencing for alcohol or drug-fuelled assaults resulting in death.

Ms Boss said earlier closing times for pubs and clubs could lead to a significant drop in alcohol-fuelled violence.

"I believe it will work to an extent."