I will be walking down the street and I would witness a couple people fighting. It will be a girl and her boyfriend or even a kid and an adult they are with. There was no evidence that the guy who yelled at the boy was his dad. My question is if I am walking down the street and I hear someone screaming: “HELP!” or “STOP! LEAVE ME ALONE! I DON’T CARE!”, how do I know they arnt in trouble or being kidnapped? I mean, I usually try to walk and go along my own business but what should I do in this situation? Walk away and ignore it or go over and check on them asking: “Is everything alright?” If I did that though, I would feel like I am sticking my nose in someone’s business where they don’t belong because maybe it was just a fight or someone throwing a tantrum and being rude. But how do I know that? What would you do if someone just was screaming help and saying to the person: “GET AWAY?!” You don’t know if that person is acting up or resisting or if they are really in trouble or being threatened so what would you do? I personally will look even when it is dark and try to see what is going on but then walk away because I don’t want to get involved in someone’s business but therefore, I want to help someone who may be in trouble or threatened.
Answers & Comments
You pretty much have to assess the situation, as you just explained. Does it look like the two are just fighting, or is there something more? Keep in mind no matter what, you can still make an anonymous call to the cops. Two people fighting, even if it is an "equal playing field," are still causing a disturbance.
I'd have to err on the side of assuming that something is wrong if I heard someone screaming for help. You can pretty much tell if it's just kids acting up, because they're usually laughing and giggling while they carry on, you're not going to mistake it for someone who actually needs help. And if it is just people screwing around, then maybe they'll be embarrassed into behaving better in public.
Jason, your description of your actions tells me you have a conscience and are reasonable. I know you do not want to butt in, but if you are moved to look and listen, you are not wrong if you call police, tell what you saw, and stay on the line til they arrive. They will get the facts. It is reasonable to act when in doubt. If it is a misunderstanding, no harm done. If it is real, you saved a life. The US Navy once sent ships to sea in a hurricane for a bogus distress call, but the next time was for real. If it makes you wonder, call. Okay?