Would you step in a help someone who is getting a beating?

[threaded]

Well, from personal experience on several occasions, if I was in the UK and I saw someone getting a beating I would never ever go to their aid, in fact I would no longer even call 999 for the Police or Ambulance. I would also look around and take the direction that offered the least chance of anyone pointing me out as a potential witness as well.

To all these others who say they'd dive in etc.: well, you're just armchair loudmouths and have never been there.

[Bagpuss]

Conclusive proof that I have the right idea.

[realityhack]

Well, from personal experience on several occasions, if I was in the UK and I saw someone getting a beating I would never ever go to their aid, in fact I would no longer even call 999 for the Police or Ambulance. I would also look around and take the direction that offered the least chance of anyone pointing me out as a potential witness as well.

To all these others who say they'd dive in etc.: well, you're just armchair loudmouths and have never been there.

If you're serious - that's a sad state of affairs.

I've been in a similar situation a few times, once most notably with a guy up against 6 others. I was very afraid, but I stepped in. It's not a courageous thing to do IMHO, it's considered proper, decent behaviour when you see the odds stacked against someone innocent - at least where I come from. The incident in question led to us all being arrested, and original bloke + myself being let off scott free when they saw the cctv.

I think your suggestion is utterly ridiculous - if you don't fancy a few cuts and bruises then at least have the balls to call the police.

It's not something most people think about at the time - it's something you do/don't do instinctively. For the sake of others though - don't just freeze, or scamper away.

[Old Greg]

I stepped in a couple of years ago on the tube (pulled the alarm first) when a very large pissed football fan on his way to Heathrow started lumping some tiny guy who was sat sown at the time. As soon as we got to the next stop, I grabbed the little guy and we scarpered.

[Nicky G]

.......at least where I come from

Honolulu?

[realityhack]

Honolulu?

I wish!

[xoggoth]

Possibly. Total coward when it comes to legal disputes or anything like that I have time to think about and that sort of thing really worries me but in very rare physical confrontations in past natural stroppiness (I tend to go ballistic) has overcome caution. Not sure my sense of injustice would respond to some thick yob I didn't know bashing another thick yob I didnt know though.

PS Nor wade in against a whole bunch. Not much point getting bashed to no purpose whatever.

[dotnetter]

To all these others who say they'd dive in etc.: well, you're just armchair loudmouths and have never been there.

Bit of a sweeping statement I'm sure you know us all very well

That's the kind of look after yourself attitude thats letting people get away with murder. Quite literally!

[wendigo100]

Well, from personal experience on several occasions, if I was in the UK and I saw someone getting a beating I would never ever go to their aid, in fact I would no longer even call 999 for the Police or Ambulance. I would also look around and take the direction that offered the least chance of anyone pointing me out as a potential witness as well.

To all these others who say they'd dive in etc.: well, you're just armchair loudmouths and have never been there.

Indeed. If an assailant is armed with a knife, unless you are specifically trained you would be stupid to get stuck in.

[cailin maith]

Well, from personal experience .......

To all these others who say they'd dive in etc.: well, you're just armchair loudmouths and have never been there.

Likewise from personal experience (you are not the only one with it, you know!) I am glad I stepped in. I couldn't imagine how ashamed I would feel afterwards, if I hadn't. And so what that I got a few punches and a few bruises - of course it could have been worse but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.