Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?

So based on the poll in the question about witnessing domestic violence, it seems that most people would at least make a phone call to 911 and report it.

I have found in past threads, it seems many people don't like to get involved when they witness various things.

I guess my question is, where do you draw the line when it comes to reporting things to the police or to someone else?

I have called the cops when my neighbors across the street were having a screaming match in front of their 6 year old daughter and the mom got pushed because the DH was trying to fight his BIL. Many people replied that they would mind their own business.

I have spoken to my daycare when a parent left one of her twins in the car while she brough the other one inside, then would eventually come out to get the other one. Ever since that day, she now brings both kids inside at one time using a double stroller.

There are lots of other things I have called about. I tend to use the philosophy that if you are going to do things like this in public, you have to deal with people potentially reporting it.

So are there things you will report, but other things you won't report? Is that line clearly defined in your mind or will you decide on the spot as incidents present themselves?

Re: Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?

I'm like you. If I see something that is wrong, endangering someone, etc. I make a call. I couldn't in good conscience let something pass because I felt the need to "draw the line" somewhere.

Re: Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?

I think when it gets physical - when it's clear that someone is or could be in danger.

Some people are screamers/shouters, it's how they fight, so I wouldn't call the cops for that - even if it's something I disagree with.

Re: Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?

If it's physical violence, I'd call. Before my friend was killed in a bar fight, I wouldn't have thought to call with two guys fighting. Now I wouldn't hesitate.

Overhearing it from a neighbor is tough because people scream during fights - and you don't really know what you're witnessing.

With the twin thing, having been there with an infant, a toddler, diaper bags & food, I would talk to the daycare or the mom (even offering help) over calling the police.

So for me, calling the police & MYOB is by a situation basis. I do lean toward calling the police. It's the police's job to sort out if a crime is being committed, not mine.

Re: Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?

The line for me is physical violence or a situation where a child or animal is in danger. And then there are obvious thing that would cause danger to people around (thinking of the NYPD "see something, say something") Or things along those lines.

For a screaming match I would MYOB.

Re: Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?

anyone who is touched, pushed, slapped, hit etc i will call 911.

Re: Spinoff to witnessing domestic violence... where do you draw the line?