Help Or Walk On By

[Bazile]

If you were walking down the street and saw someone being mugged would you help or walk on by ?

[daffy654]

I'm not sure. 10 years ago I would have waded in and I would like to think I'd do the same now, unfortunately my disability may mean I got seriously hurt by doing so.

[Baldric]

My first thought would be to look after me and mine, but if I were on my own, given my background (RMs), I would most likely have a go!

[jd_1984]

Give us more of a scenario than that.
If the mugger had a knife or a gun would you physically get involved? Is simply ringing 999 helping?
I guess most wouldnt walk on by but how do you mean help?

[China Doll]

I'd walk on by and call the police.

[Bazile]

//Give us more of a scenario than that. //

Consider both these scenarios

1. An assault with no weapons involved , as far as you can see

2. An assault with a knife / other weapon visible

[rowanwitch]

I'd probably have a go I carry a big heavy handbag ...

[Baldric]

I would steer clear of a gun, I know the damage they can do.

[atalanta]

Any woman, unless she was a black-belt, could be excused for not intervening. The most useful thing to do might be to get a picture of the mugger's face to show to police later, and then dial 999.

[jd_1984]

I wouldnt risk my safety for a stranger if I could clearly see that a gun or knife was being used. I would try to diffuse the situation vebally from a safe distance of a few feet and call the police.
Even if no weapon is visible it is so risky to get involved as a weapon could be concealed. How often is it the person attempting to pacify a situation who comes off worse. People may want to be a "Hero" my advice is ring the police, unless you are totally sure that a. you can diffuse the situation calmly b. you can be assured that your physical intervention will stop the attack and nobody will get hurt and how sure can you be?

[Bazile]

//Any woman, unless she was a black-belt, could be excused for not intervening. //

What if it was a female commiting the assault - no weapons ?

[B00]

ooo a toughy!

My initial instinct would be to help without thinking, however then the wuss in me would come screaming to the fore and say "woahhh hold on", even if the attacker doesn't have a weapon, it doesn't mean they can't do you some serious damage if they are intervened!

Think id take the more sensible option of phoning the police and trying desperately to take a photo for ID purposes?

[China Doll]

Either way, I still wouldn't stop. I've never been in a fight really and I've a ropey hip... I'd be more of a liability than a help.

[Maydup]

I'd dial 999 and keep myself safe. I'm fairly hopeless at fighting and would be no help whatsoever floundering around getting hurt too.

[Svejk]

Definitely help.
Maybe easy to say that cos it just don't happen around here.
If it did I can't imagine anyone walking on by around here.

[rockyracoon]

My dad intervened when a woman was being beaten up by a bloke, she turned round and walloped him!

As for intervening, I don't know, a few years ago I definitely would have but to be honest now, I think of consequences and the thought of my kids being without a mother so I'd probably save my courage for them.

[RATTER15]

I would jump in if my good lady was not with me, I wouldnt put her at risk, other wise I would just get as much detail as poss and phone police.

[chrissa1]

I think I would shout very loudly at the attacker. Get my phone out and dial 999.

[Bazile]

Ok - would the decision be made easier , if it was a family member / relative being muigged - would you then go charging in to help - gun or no gun ?

[China Doll]

Depends on the family member.... for some I'd be cheering on the mugger and hoping he/she had a weapon ;o)

[Bazile]

China Doll
lol - are they that bad ?