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Am I a witness?
What should I do?
Am I a witness?

What should I do?

IF YOU THINK THAT A VIOLENT SITUATION IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN OR IF IT IS ALREADY UNDERWAY (even if it doesn't involve you directly):

  • Call 999.
  • Ask an adult for help:
    • a teacher or a member of the school staff (if the situation is taking place at school);
    • an adult who is nearby or in a shop such as a cafe or supermarket (if the situation takes place on the street or in another public space).
  • If you are with the person or group being violent, try to calm things down and prevent further violent behaviours:
    • don’t blame the potential victim nor the potential offender for what's happening;
    • talk calmly with both of them and help them to understand the other's point of view;
    • suggest resolving the conflict by talking;
    • keep calm and never resort to aggression or violence to solve the conflict; aggressive or violent reactions may make the situation worse.

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PLEASE NOTE!

• Always remember to put your safety first.
• If you suspect it might be dangerous for you to try to solve the situation on your own, ask an adult for help.
• Call 999 if you think it is for the best. Explain what is happening and where the situation is taking place.

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IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS A VICTIM OF VIOLENCE:

• Talk to your friend in a place where he/she feels safe and at ease.
• Listen carefully to what your friend is telling you.
• Show concern and interest for what he/she is telling you.
• Show that you believe in what he/she is telling you.
• Do not be judgmental and do not ask "why?" questions. Your friend is not to blame for what happened.
• Support him/her without judging, even if you feel frustrated or think he/she could have dealt with the situation differently.
• Keep in touch with your friend: give him/her time, attention and comfort. Organise some enjoyable activities for you two to do together.
• Convince your friend to tell a trusted adult what is going on: his/her parents or a school staff member.
• Tell your friend he/she can contact Victim Support Scotland. Support is free of charge and confidential. Help your friend and be at his/her side when he/she contacts Victim Support Scotland.

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IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS BEING VIOLENT IN HIS/HER RELATIONSHIPS (be it a friendship, going out with someone or any other relationship):

  • Help your friend to understand that his/her behaviour has consequences for other people: ask him/her "How would you feel if someone treated you like this?". 
    • Becoming aware of the impact that our attitudes and behaviours have on others can be an important step for changing.
  • Tell your friend that it is important to acknowledge responsibility for their behaviours: apologising to the person harmed by his/her violent behaviour is the first step.
  • Challenge your friend to try alternative behaviours to violence:
    • they can turn their back to avoid the situation that made them angry;
    • they can take a deep breath, count to 10 and try to solve problems through talking.
  • Tell your friend that they can get help to change the way he/she relates with others. Teachers, the school's counsellor or psychologist can give advice on this type of situation.