by Doly » Mon 26 Sep 2005, 05:43:19
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Cool Hand Linc', '
')I am in a city park. A man begins to rape a 14 yo child in plain view for all to see. A person begins to call the police. Should I use violence to stop him or let him do what he will until the police arrive? Should the police use violence to stop him when they arrive?
My 78yo mother and I go shopping. She goes to the car before I do. As I leave the store I see a man attempting to steal her purse. She doesn't let go and he begins to hit her. Should I get involved? Again I see somebody else calling the police. Should I wait for the police and watch him hit her?
I go to the local convenience store. A large man 75 to 100 pounds larger than I. Doesn't like the way I look. He pushes me. I back away telling him I am not looking for trouble. He keeps pushing me. Before I can get into my car. He tells me he is going to kill me. Standing between me and my car. Preventing me from getting into my car. The I notice his friends behind me.
In each case here the violence has already begun. Rape of a child, hitting of an older woman relative and pushing me (with what clearly seems to be intent). How should I respond? Am I just if I take action?
People seem to think that there are only two possible responses in a violent scenario: fight back, or run away. There is a third one: stand your ground, defend yourself, but without any unnecessary violence. Defence is actually easier than attack. A weak woman can put up a fair defence against a strong man if she knows how, but would have serious problems to counterattack. Of course, it all depends on the specific situation. If you are in a clearly losing situation, you'd better run.
What I would do in your scenarios:
1) Rape. There are several people around. First of all I would gauge if there are enough people to stop him and keep him immobilized. If there are, I would go to the others and say: "We can stop him if we surround him all at once." If enough people listen (and some will refuse to get involved), carry on with the plan. If it isn't possible (and that's the most likely scenario), stay to be a witness for the police.
Take into account here that I'm a weak woman. If I were a strong man, I might feel like stopping the rapist and immobilizing him is something I could do myself without help. Depends on what the rapist looks like (Is he weak or strong? Is he drunk? Does he have any weapons?)
2) Stolen purse. I'd run to my mother. Realistically, these sort of situations are over very quickly (the thief runs away with or without the purse). If the thief is still there by the time I get there, I would grab the purse as well and try to put myself between the thief and my mother.
3) Guy attacks you and has friends. The guy doesn't have your car keys, and you are in a clearly losing situation. If you stay, you'll probably get beaten by a gang and with a bit of bad luck, they take your car keys and run away with your own car. Run, or if running isn't possible, take cover wherever you can. Once you're safe, call the police on your mobile.