I ignored a girl getting abused. Am I a piece of shit?

[Anonymous]

This was in 2014 when I was 20. I went to san Francisco with some family. We were near a park with some thick shrubbery and trees. My brother and I were standing off to the side waiting for my mom and sister to use the bathroom, when we heard screaming, and slapping sounds. I began to walk over to see what was going on, but my brother begged me not to get involved, so I didn't. I obviously should have called the cops, but I didn't. I still think about it 10 years later, and it makes me nauseous.

[rosemilk]

nope you're okay. you also need to protect yourself. you have no idea how quickly that situation can escalate if you got involved. yes, calling the cops is a start. but i'm sure someone else called. i know it can be seen as bad, but personally i would have stayed away too.

[GuyAnswersGirls123]

Live and learn but the real POS is the one who was abusing her. It's no use beating yourself up for it. Try to forgive yourself! Actually you just did what most people do in my experience.

Now you almost certainly won't ignore it if you ever encounter the situation again, and that's above and beyond. Most normal people walk by in these situations.

I recommend calling the police if you ever find this type of situation again. It's heroic to directly intervene but also very dangerous. Only intervene if you need to act extremely fast, like there's almost a guarantee of someone being killed in the time period required for the police to arrive.

[Hulk_kitty]

Your not bad person, in these situations its really hard to know what to do. Try not to be too hard on yourself. It was a very difficult situation.

Like guyanswersgirls said, next time just give a ananoymous tip off to the police. At least that you that way, you don't get yourself involved in it.

[Hulk_kitty]

Consider this as a learning moment and think about what you can do differently in the future. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try to prioritize the safety of others and yourself. It's never too late to make a positive change in how you respond to such situations.

[Paris13]

I Believe If Not For Bro----You Would Have Gotten Involved. Let it Go. xxoo

[Paris13]

Thanks, Gag. xxoo