Do you get involved?

Question

This is a little bit of a tough question but I would like to know. The situation is you are in public and you see a parent disciplining a child. I am not talking of a little spanking, I am talking about child abuse. I ask this because one time I saw this woman SHAKING her little girl

(2 years old tops) so hard it made the little girl scream in pain. I was furious, I yelled at the lady and she stopped it immediately. I told her if I saw that again, I would be certain to inform the police. I understand to mind my business, but to an extent like that, I had to get involved. What would you do?

Answer 1

You did the right thing as this women was abusing her child and didn't care who saw it, probably others have seen her do this as often abuse takes place in private she may well be known to Social Services, this may make her look at her behaviour.

Answer 2

You did the right thing. Congratulations and THANK YOU for stepping in. I'd have done the same.

Answer 3

It is not easy, you are right. You gotta think about what will happen once the police get involved, the child could get removed from her family, and that is just the start. Sometimes it is for the better, but we just don't know. If it was me in your shoes i would have probably wanted to slap the mother, but i would have said something. Some things just cant be ignored.

Answer 4

well if i see anything close to wat your say i would get up in the person face! I'm a 300 pound, 6' 8'' tall guy so people fear me! That it truly wrong for any person disciplining a young child like that. you did the right thing stopping her.  

Answer 5

I would do the exact same thing as you have to speak up for the child. I once approached a women who was slapping her little boy really hard in a shop and when I told her to stop she assaulted me. There are times when you have to be careful but if it makes them stop hurting a child its worth it