Feb
12
Silent Witness
Tags: bystander intervention
Filed Under Uncategorized | By Jeremy Lomax | 1 Comment
I’m a UT student and I live in an area called West Campus. The majority of college parties are thrown in this area, so it’s known for being rather boisterous at night, especially on the weekends. My room has large windows that face the street, so I can always hear anything going on outside.
Two weeks ago I was awoken by an argument outside at 4 a.m. Instead of going back to sleep, I curiously peered out the window and watched as a couple argued beside a running pick-up truck. A girl was sitting on the ground with her back turned to a guy who was standing up and yelling at her.
After watching for a couple of minutes and debating whether or not to intervene, I saw the guy kick the girl’s purse, which was sitting right beside her, into the street. That was all I needed to motivate me to start getting dressed to head outside. However, before I had put on my shoes, I heard the pick-up truck squeal away and saw the girl’s friends comforting her as they walked away.
The next day, when I told my friends about the incident, they told me I should never have decided to intervene. “It’s not like he hit her or anything, so it isn’t any of your business.” This common response struck a chord with me. It’s not your business. But why not? Read more
