Basics Instincts?

Question

I watched Primetime on ABC and they showed a hidden camera special. It was about people who don't do anything when they see something not right. Like a boyfriend abusing his girlfriend at a public park. Or a woman abusing her boyfriend at a public park.
Very few people stepped up and said something.
What would you do?

Answer 1

There was actually a famous murder case where a woman was killed in a NYC alley and several people witnessed it. No one called the police, and each had reasons ranging from, "I thought someone else would do it" to " I didn't want to get involved". Personally, as long as my personal saftey isn't at risk I'm more than willing to step in. Otherwise, at the very least I'll call 911.

Answer 2

I watched it too. I think in real life, I would walk by if I saw a woman hitting a man. But if a man was hitting a woman, I would certainly step in and call the cops. Too often do you hear a man abusing a woman. In some cultures, the man is said to be dominate over the woman. In these cirumstances, people do not step in to help women because it's part of their society. So some women find it a little satisfing to see a man getting beaten up. No one should hit anyone. It is WRONG.

Answer 3

It is what social psychologists have referred to as the "bystander effect" or "bystander ignorance." It is when we look (subconsciously) to others to see what everyone else is doing. The more people are within the area of the situation, the less likely that people will help...due to this misunderstanding that perhaps others have taken action. Since I understand this human behavior phenomena, if I see someone or something happening, I will react in some way...even if it is considered intrusion by the people directly involved within the situation.

This is also important to understand from the other side as well. If you are ever in need of help....single someone out, "hey you, in the green sweater," and directly tell them what they are to do, such as "call an ambulance" or "call the police." Don't say you need help...its too vague.

Answer 4

A friend of mine was faced with this same situation. He eventually called the police. The police told him that it was the right thing to do, because if he had not done so, he could have been held liable if the woman in this case would have been hurt. It was interesting to learn this. The other side of the coin, if you get involve, one of the parties can turn around an sue you for one thing or another.

Answer 5

It would depend on the situation. I saw the show too, and was appalled by the lack of anything from the passers by. If 2 people were just arguing, you ignore it, but if it becomes abusive, I'd call the cops and try to keep an eye on things until they show up. If my husband was with me and saw a guy abusing a girl, he'd probably walk up to the dude and punch his lights out.

Answer 6

If it was a fight between the two, I personally would just walk past it unless I see gore.

If it was a drunk person on the street, I would definately try to stop him/her from getting on the road.

But with the free money, I'd definately walk out with it ;D

Answer 7

Basics Instincts? Was a Dirty movie!

To answer your Question=
If possible I would kick teeth in!

Answer 8

I would probably call the cops. Getting in there isn't necessarily safe for me, and doesn't solve the overlying problem.

Answer 9

i wouldn't get involved

strangers are strange and not to be trusted

i mean if a fight is going on why would you want to be a part of it, it could become dangerous

Answer 10

I SAW MY NEIGHBOR BEATING HIS WIFE
WE YELLED AT HIM TO STOP AND CALLED THE POLICE AND BECAUSE OF OUR TESTIMONY HE IS NOW IN PRISON,
BUT I WOULD NOT DO IT AGAIN BECAUSE WE HAVE GOTTEN DEATH THREATS BEFORE THE TRIAL AND OUR HOUSE BROKEN INTO!!!! IT WAS NOT WORTH RISKING MY FAMILY