My safety first

The question "Would you assist someone being assaulted in the street or look the other way and walk past?" brought up deep contemplation within me. And despite considering the possible scenarios and outcomes, I struggled to come up with even a single convincing reason to physically intervene in such a situation.

My immediate Instinct would be prioritise my own safety and avoid the potential dangers of involving myself in such a situation.

Who knows, my presence or intervention might even escalate the situation, making the matter worst and putting both myself and the victim in greater danger than before. They could potentially harm me if I get involved, especially if they are armed. I don't know who they are or what they are capable of.
But I won't just walk away, either.

The real-life stories I've heard of people who suffered from intervening in unrelated fights has only strengthen my decision to avoid getting involved and putting myself in harm's way.

Knowing the potential risk, I simply don't see myself putting my life on the line for a situation I didn't cause. In such a scenario, the best I could do would be to bear witness. After all, it's not worth jeopardising my safety if the only option is to get involved in the fray physically.

My mom once shared the story of how she lost her younger brother, for getting involved in such a situation, for choosing to help.

Her brother, a young man, rushed to aid of a young woman being assaulted by robbers on a dark road one night, despite his friend saying it would be better if they just ignore her screams, and go their way.

The decision to intervene was his last. The robbers, armed and enraged by his interference, shot him while his friend ran away. No one knows what happened to the lady he tried to save, but his own life had been lost.

Another story she had shared with me was from a man she met in the bus, who told her the story of how he lost an eye and the hardship he's facing to fund a surgery before it affects his remaining eye as well.

Apparently, this man tried helping a young man who was being beaten on the street by some group of boys and they ended up stabbing him in the eye with a bottle, irreversibly damaging his sight.

As much as my conscience might urge me to take action, my survival Instinct would prioritise my personal safety. I understand that the victim might need help, but if I can't ensure my own safety while attempting to intervene, I would do more harm than good to myself. Except if there are other ways to help other than getting involved in the assault.

In conclusion, the decision to intervene in a dangerous situation is never an easy one. It's important to weigh the risks against the potential benefits, considering your own safety as well as the wellbeing of those you're trying to help.