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Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest

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  • 02-20-2017, 01:49 AM
    ignoramus23
    Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: OR

    Situation happened a few days ago and has been bugging me tremendously. Awoke from sleep to hear girl next door screaming and pleading (sounded like through tone of voice) for boyfriend to stop attacking her, though I couldn't make out any actual words. Sounded like girl was getting thrown against wall. Immediately went over to knock on their door, boyfriend opened and I asked if everything was alright, he said yeah. I asked are you sure you aren't beating up your girlfriend? He shows me his arms with deep defensive scratch wounds, and tells me 'I'm trying to restrain her.' Maybe I made a mistake here, but I told him "that's a felony crime and you are committing domestic violence, I'm calling the police." He say's OK, do it. So I call the police, and they show up 25 minutes later, yawning as they approach his door. Knock on the door, he won't open. I go to the store, and come back and see police leaving, without him in their car. I ask what's up, and they said he wouldn't show them his arms (I assume that he covered them), and they didn't have the elements of a crime. From my perspective, the girl was too afraid to tell police he beat her, and they also paid no regard to what I witnessed. I just think it's really sad the police just walked away from this, because it was such an obvious case of DV and they couldn't do anything to help the girl out. There was also an eviction notice plastered to their door, maybe this had something to do with things.

    Can someone explain based on what I just described, if it is true that the police didn't have the elements required for a DV arrest? Is this result my fault for having gone over and confronted him about this situation, and spouting off laws?
  • 02-20-2017, 06:25 AM
    PTPD22
    Re: Why Wasn't There an Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    Can someone explain based on what I just described, if it is true that the police didn't have the elements required for a DV arrest? Is this result my fault for having gone over and confronted him about this situation, and spouting off laws?

    Well, I don’t see how you can be accused of any fault for confronting the BF or any statements you mentioned in your post (although the statement regarding his committing a felony was likely erroneous). However, it is impossible to say whether the police found the necessary evidence to make a DV arrest.

    You say you left as the police arrived and only returned as they were leaving. Meaning, you were unavailable to provide a statement while they were investigating. So, all they had from you was whatever you told the dispatcher when you called 911. What you told dispatch was enough for them to respond and investigate, but they could not use anything you told dispatch as actual evidentiary testimony. In order to use your witness statements as part of their probable cause for an arrest, they would need to verify your identity and get an official statement so that you could be called to testify in court, if necessary. Even then, the information you provide in your post is pretty subjective. You heard a woman’s voice in a tone that you interpreted as fearful, but you could not hear what was actually said or even who specifically was speaking. You heard noises that you interpreted to be sounds of a physical altercation, but you do not know the actual cause of those noises or who was responsible for them. You saw scratches on the BF’s arms, but cannot actually refute his claim to you that they were defensive wounds.

    Unless the cops totally ignored their duty (which would open them up to significant civil liability and even possibly criminal prosecution), they likely did what they are legally allowed to do to investigate. This would include: 1. entering into and conducting a sweep of the residence to ensure that they were aware of everyone inside; 2. Speaking to all parties separately; 3. Examining the residence for signs of struggle; 4. Examining both parties for visible signs of having been in a physical altercation; and comparing the statements of both parties with any visible, contradictory evidence. What they could NOT do includes coercing statements from either party or forcing the BF to expose his arms (or any other body part covered by clothing) without a warrant (which they likely would not have evidence to support). If, after that, they were unable to determine that an assault actually occurred AND who was the primary aggressor (it is not always clear cut and you cannot just assume it was the male – women commit DV assaults, too!), then there is no probable cause for an arrest.

    DV investigations are typically not as clear cut and easy for police as many non-police believe (and, frankly, you “yawning” comment above implies a negatively judgmental bias against police from the outset). What you believe happened (and, may well have happened) is often much different than what investigating police can present as evidence sufficient to secure a conviction in court.
  • 02-20-2017, 01:20 PM
    qwaspolk69
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: OR

    Situation happened a few days ago and has been bugging me tremendously. Awoke from sleep to hear girl next door screaming and pleading (sounded like through tone of voice) for boyfriend to stop attacking her, though I couldn't make out any actual words. Sounded like girl was getting thrown against wall. Immediately went over to knock on their door, boyfriend opened and I asked if everything was alright, he said yeah. I asked are you sure you aren't beating up your girlfriend? He shows me his arms with deep defensive scratch wounds, and tells me 'I'm trying to restrain her.' Maybe I made a mistake here, but I told him "that's a felony crime and you are committing domestic violence, I'm calling the police." He say's OK, do it. So I call the police, and they show up 25 minutes later, yawning as they approach his door. Knock on the door, he won't open. I go to the store, and come back and see police leaving, without him in their car. I ask what's up, and they said he wouldn't show them his arms (I assume that he covered them), and they didn't have the elements of a crime. From my perspective, the girl was too afraid to tell police he beat her, and they also paid no regard to what I witnessed. I just think it's really sad the police just walked away from this, because it was such an obvious case of DV and they couldn't do anything to help the girl out. There was also an eviction notice plastered to their door, maybe this had something to do with things.

    Can someone explain based on what I just described, if it is true that the police didn't have the elements required for a DV arrest? Is this result my fault for having gone over and confronted him about this situation, and spouting off laws?

    If he wasn't beating her when they showed up and they saw no wounds on either of the people in that house, then how are they supposed to arrest anyone for domestic violence? Maybe she was attacking him and he did try to restrain her. You weren't in the house so you don't know what actually happened. Women can be abusive too.

    YOU didn't witness anything. You saw marks on his arm. He said he wasn't beating her.

    This isn't an obvious case of anything. It's obvious that they had an argument that you overheard but all you did was over hear them. How do you know she hadn't attacked him and then when he tried to leave or restrain her she started to scream that he was hurting her? There are some shady women out there who will fake an attack. Not a lot but some. What if she was throwing crap against the wall because she knew you would hear?

    You don't know what the police saw. You don't know what happened in that house. You did what you thought was right by knocking on the door. But you left - so you don't know what the police saw, asked or did. You honestly don't know what happened at all. He could have been the victim. They both could have abused each other. But they didn't tell the police anything so what can the police do?

    If you were a cop who showed up to a report of dv but there wasn't any evidence of it and no one would file a report on the other person, what would you do?

    Domestic violence reports are not the easiest to investigate. Especially when it's he said/she said. Or when no one says anything.
  • 02-20-2017, 02:10 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    My question involves criminal law for the state of: OR

    Situation happened a few days ago and has been bugging me tremendously. Awoke from sleep to hear girl next door screaming and pleading (sounded like through tone of voice) for boyfriend to stop attacking her, though I couldn't make out any actual words. Sounded like girl was getting thrown against wall. Immediately went over to knock on their door, boyfriend opened and I asked if everything was alright, he said yeah. I asked are you sure you aren't beating up your girlfriend? He shows me his arms with deep defensive scratch wounds, and tells me 'I'm trying to restrain her.' Maybe I made a mistake here, but I told him "that's a felony crime and you are committing domestic violence, I'm calling the police." He say's OK, do it. So I call the police, and they show up 25 minutes later, yawning as they approach his door. Knock on the door, he won't open. I go to the store, and come back and see police leaving, without him in their car. I ask what's up, and they said he wouldn't show them his arms (I assume that he covered them), and they didn't have the elements of a crime. From my perspective, the girl was too afraid to tell police he beat her, and they also paid no regard to what I witnessed. I just think it's really sad the police just walked away from this, because it was such an obvious case of DV and they couldn't do anything to help the girl out. There was also an eviction notice plastered to their door, maybe this had something to do with things.

    Can someone explain based on what I just described, if it is true that the police didn't have the elements required for a DV arrest? Is this result my fault for having gone over and confronted him about this situation, and spouting off laws?

    Why didn't you simply call the police instead of charging in like a bull in a china shop?! You witnessed nothing, except a man who had scratches on his arms. Where on earth do you get that it was "obvious" domestic violence and that SHE was terrified?

    Yes, you made a mistake. Yes, you made assumptions that you shouldn't have made. Next time don't assume you know what's going on, and just call the police and let them deal with it.
  • 02-20-2017, 02:17 PM
    ignoramus23
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    All makes sense. And yes, in fact I have been in a domestic situation myself as Quaspolk69 described where the woman manipulated the situation to stage an attack... and it worked and got me arrested, but was found not guilty at trial.

    I went over to knock on the door because what I heard was nasty, and it made me scared, and I wanted it to stop. I had no idea how much more it would escalate in the time it would take police to get there. Call me stupid for doing that, but I can tell you I'm not the only man who would do what I did. I got the idea that SHE was terrified based on the screams I heard next door from her, its pretty easy to tell fear in someone's voice, I also heard someone/something getting thrashed around... you are being too critical of me if you don't think a reasonable person can't at least question that someone might be getting the living heck beat out of them based on what I described.

    Also, I didn't exactly charge into their home and start kicking his butt, I respected the laws and the rights of everyone, confronted the person who is typically the primary aggressor and who I believed to be the aggressor from what I heard, and left and called the police. And it worked because the fighting stopped until the police showed up 25 minutes later.
  • 02-20-2017, 05:16 PM
    jdbofky
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Police need probable cause to make an arrest. They will typically want either documented injuries or an independent witness to the battery, and preferably both. And without a cooperative victim it is next to impossible to obtain a conviction.
  • 02-20-2017, 05:30 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    All makes sense. And yes, in fact I have been in a domestic situation myself as Quaspolk69 described where the woman manipulated the situation to stage an attack... and it worked and got me arrested, but was found not guilty at trial.

    I went over to knock on the door because what I heard was nasty, and it made me scared, and I wanted it to stop. I had no idea how much more it would escalate in the time it would take police to get there. Call me stupid for doing that, but I can tell you I'm not the only man who would do what I did. I got the idea that SHE was terrified based on the screams I heard next door from her, its pretty easy to tell fear in someone's voice, I also heard someone/something getting thrashed around... you are being too critical of me if you don't think a reasonable person can't at least question that someone might be getting the living heck beat out of them based on what I described.

    Also, I didn't exactly charge into their home and start kicking his butt, I respected the laws and the rights of everyone, confronted the person who is typically the primary aggressor and who I believed to be the aggressor from what I heard, and left and called the police. And it worked because the fighting stopped until the police showed up 25 minutes later.

    A reasonable person would have called the police and waited for them to turn up.

    But that's just me.
  • 02-20-2017, 05:45 PM
    qwaspolk69
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    All makes sense. And yes, in fact I have been in a domestic situation myself as Quaspolk69 described where the woman manipulated the situation to stage an attack... and it worked and got me arrested, but was found not guilty at trial.

    I went over to knock on the door because what I heard was nasty, and it made me scared, and I wanted it to stop. I had no idea how much more it would escalate in the time it would take police to get there. Call me stupid for doing that, but I can tell you I'm not the only man who would do what I did. I got the idea that SHE was terrified based on the screams I heard next door from her, its pretty easy to tell fear in someone's voice, I also heard someone/something getting thrashed around... you are being too critical of me if you don't think a reasonable person can't at least question that someone might be getting the living heck beat out of them based on what I described.

    Also, I didn't exactly charge into their home and start kicking his butt, I respected the laws and the rights of everyone, confronted the person who is typically the primary aggressor and who I believed to be the aggressor from what I heard, and left and called the police. And it worked because the fighting stopped until the police showed up 25 minutes later.

    So you should have called the police. What if one of the people attacked you? What if someone had a gun? What if they had a weapon? Then you get hurt and for what reason? Yeah I think you are one of a very few men OR women who would go to someone's house after hearing yelling and fighting. Most people would not interfere even on the street.

    A reasonable person would call the cops. And a reasonable person wouldn't assume what was going on.

    You didn't solve anything or stop anything. Now whoever was the aggressor will just be more discreet because they know the nosy neighbor is listening.
  • 02-20-2017, 06:37 PM
    ignoramus23
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting qwaspolk69
    View Post
    Now whoever was the aggressor will just be more discreet because they know the nosy neighbor is listening.

    Not gonna accept that. There is nothing nosy about intervening in or calling authorities to break up domestic violence. It is the community's responsibility to quash out the scourge that is intimate partner violence, because often times the victims won't report it themselves for a million reasons. Trust me, I've done my research on domestic violence, and the best thing that can be done is to bring it to the attention of authorities, which I did. Thanks for your opinions there, though. Next time, he knows I'm gonna be listening for DV and he knows I'm gonna call the police if I hear it, because none of the people in my community are going to tolerate it. We are also going to look for signs of abuse in the girl.... and perhaps even the guy if you are all so intent that he could have been the one getting abused (lol guy is twice her size). The law has a really effective way of dealing with domestic abusers in a way that will burn them so bad that they'll think twice about ever doing it again.

    Also, there is an interesting YouTube video out there where they had couples stage DV in a public park to see what people's reactions would be. Quite a few men bystanders stepped in when they saw the man beating on the woman. I definitely feel like there is a social responsibility there, in addition to calling the police.

    Sorry for coming off a bit emotional here with this, but I have a lifelong history with exposure to this kind of stuff... and it destroys lives if no one ever gets in the way to intervene.
  • 02-20-2017, 07:54 PM
    cdwjava
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Calling the police and even attempting to intervene are admirable actions, and I do not have a problem with that. But, as has been well-stated here, the police cannot simply make an arrest because you called the police to report a POSSIBLE DV. As has been explained, they must have probable cause to believe that a crime occurred and that the person to be arrested committed the crime. You do not know what the police saw or heard when they were there. While it is possible that they were lazy sots, it is more likely that they were unable to overcome the legal barriers towards an arrest and, instead, were left with either a report of a verbal argument or a log entry (depending on the reporting requirements for such matters in OR).
  • 02-20-2017, 08:29 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    Not gonna accept that. There is nothing nosy about intervening in or calling authorities to break up domestic violence. It is the community's responsibility to quash out the scourge that is intimate partner violence, because often times the victims won't report it themselves for a million reasons. Trust me, I've done my research on domestic violence, and the best thing that can be done is to bring it to the attention of authorities, which I did. Thanks for your opinions there, though. Next time, he knows I'm gonna be listening for DV and he knows I'm gonna call the police if I hear it, because none of the people in my community are going to tolerate it. We are also going to look for signs of abuse in the girl.... and perhaps even the guy if you are all so intent that he could have been the one getting abused (lol guy is twice her size). The law has a really effective way of dealing with domestic abusers in a way that will burn them so bad that they'll think twice about ever doing it again.

    Also, there is an interesting YouTube video out there where they had couples stage DV in a public park to see what people's reactions would be. Quite a few men bystanders stepped in when they saw the man beating on the woman. I definitely feel like there is a social responsibility there, in addition to calling the police.

    Sorry for coming off a bit emotional here with this, but I have a lifelong history with exposure to this kind of stuff... and it destroys lives if no one ever gets in the way to intervene.

    My God. You are scoffing at the suggestion that the male could be the victim because he's twice her size? You are insinuating that we're somehow misguided for thinking it's a possibility? That entire mindset is dangerous, and it's part of the problem, not the answer.

    You think that an abuser is going to deterred from hurting the victim because a nosy neighbor called the cops? No. The abuser will simply find other, more subtle ways of abusing the victim. You are going to "look for signs of abuse"? How, exactly, do you think you'll manage that? Are you going to demand to see bare arms so you may inspect them? Do you know how many victims will simply cower even further away, knowing that if their abuser catches wind that a neighbor is "checking up" on them they'll get even worse treatment?

    Dude, I know you think you're trying to help but I'm completely floored by your responses and your mindset.

    Don't be that guy. Please. Don't be that guy.
  • 02-20-2017, 09:42 PM
    ignoramus23
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting Dogmatique
    View Post
    My God. You are scoffing at the suggestion that the male could be the victim because he's twice her size? You are insinuating that we're somehow misguided for thinking it's a possibility? That entire mindset is dangerous, and it's part of the problem, not the answer.

    You think that an abuser is going to deterred from hurting the victim because a nosy neighbor called the cops? No. The abuser will simply find other, more subtle ways of abusing the victim. You are going to "look for signs of abuse"? How, exactly, do you think you'll manage that? Are you going to demand to see bare arms so you may inspect them? Do you know how many victims will simply cower even further away, knowing that if their abuser catches wind that a neighbor is "checking up" on them they'll get even worse treatment?

    Dude, I know you think you're trying to help but I'm completely floored by your responses and your mindset.

    Don't be that guy. Please. Don't be that guy.

    Alright, lets put my brazen ignorance regarding the correct way to approach DV aside, since its obviously an extremely complex issue that is beyond my range of competence, and accept I'm just trying to help out in a screwed up situation where someone is getting continually hurt (because I've heard similar arguments in the past). Since I don't want to be "that guy", do you have any more plausible/constructive approaches I might be able to take to get someone the help they need? I feel like putting at least some sort of effort in to try to help is my social responsibility. I'm not trying to play hero.

    I feel like you won't have answer for that, because it seems all you like to do on Expert Law is criticize people and denigrate them for their ineptitude in the ways of the law. Maybe it provides you some sort of catharsis, I don't know... but I'm seeking help not shame.

    Quote:

    Quoting cdwjava
    View Post
    Calling the police and even attempting to intervene are admirable actions, and I do not have a problem with that. But, as has been well-stated here, the police cannot simply make an arrest because you called the police to report a POSSIBLE DV. As has been explained, they must have probable cause to believe that a crime occurred and that the person to be arrested committed the crime. You do not know what the police saw or heard when they were there. While it is possible that they were lazy sots, it is more likely that they were unable to overcome the legal barriers towards an arrest and, instead, were left with either a report of a verbal argument or a log entry (depending on the reporting requirements for such matters in OR).

    Thank you, sir. You were actually the one I was hoping to get some advice from. I understand there are legal logistics that prevented an arrest, that has been well explained. And I know an arrest isn't always the end all answer to this kind of stuff... but is there anything that can be done? Can a local DV advocacy group reach out to either or partner and try to provide assistance, based on the police call/log alone? Do I just need to give this thing up and stop being so 'nosy', and let come what may, accepting they are two fully grown adults (barely). It would be truly sad to see a situation like this escalate into a preventable death or otherwise.... It almost happened a couple of times in my own life experiences.
  • 02-20-2017, 10:03 PM
    cdwjava
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting ignoramus23
    View Post
    Thank you, sir. You were actually the one I was hoping to get some advice from. I understand there are legal logistics that prevented an arrest, that has been well explained. And I know an arrest isn't always the end all answer to this kind of stuff... but is there anything that can be done?

    There is always something that can be done to help, but, what that might be depends on facts that none of us know, and, more than likely, you do not know, either.

    Quote:

    Can a local DV advocacy group reach out to either or partner and try to provide assistance, based on the police call/log alone?
    If the policy or practice of the local agency includes a referral to such services, sure. If there is a crime or incident report generated for the call and contact, then it may well find its way to some service organization or agency that might be able to assist. It's exceedingly unlikely that any organization will be trolling police logs to try and find clients to offer their services to.

    Quote:

    Do I just need to give this thing up and stop being so 'nosy', and let come what may, accepting they are two fully grown adults (barely). It would be truly sad to see a situation like this escalate into a preventable death or otherwise.... It almost happened a couple of times in my own life experiences.
    Personally, if I heard them arguing again, I'd call the police. Stay on the line with the dispatcher and relate what you hear until the police get there. Next time, do not leave when the cops arrive but remain on hand and available for them to contact to obtain more detailed information. The officers will get only a very brief (perhaps even inaccurate) synopsis of what you provided to the dispatchers and this is not always sufficient to justify a forced entry or a detention. Your being available for further details can be vital.
  • 02-20-2017, 10:19 PM
    Mercy&Grace
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    When law enforcement thinks someone needs to go to a DV Shelter or they may need counseling of other DV help, the can give the victim the contact info for the DV center. But, it is up to the victim to contact the DV center and follow through. Based on what you said, I don't think the police gave any contact info to anyone because they saw no reasons to.

    Unless you have been educated and trained in Domestic Violence and the legal requirements in your area, you have no way of knowing what is against the laws in your area and what is not. Being a victim of domestic violence does not mean you are trained and know how to help other victims.

    The next time you hear your neighbors fighting, you need to call the police and Stay Away From Your Neighbors. Domestic calls are one of the most dangerous calls law enforcement offiicers make. Please don't add to their danger.
  • 02-20-2017, 10:20 PM
    ignoramus23
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Alright, thanks yet again, for setting me straight. Looks like I know what I need to do if it happens again, and also shouldn't be so presumptuous based on limited observations.

    Quote:

    Quoting Mercy&Grace
    View Post
    Unless you have been educated and trained in Domestic Violence and the legal requirements in your area, you have no way of knowing what is against the laws in your area and what is not. Being a victim of domestic violence does not mean you are trained and know how to help other victims.

    The next time you hear your neighbors fighting, you need to call the police and Stay Away From Your Neighbors. Domestic calls are one of the most dangerous calls law enforcement offiicers make. Please don't add to their danger.

    Okay, thank you. Explains why they sent 6 officers to the residence. You're right, I have no education or training in DV to understand the intricacies of the law surrounding this apparently extremely complex issue. I saw deep scratches to the arm and assumed assault. He stated he was restraining her, and I assumed unlawful restraint. I wasn't trying to play street lawyer, rather convey what I thought was relevant information of crime to dispatchers and police. Next time I'll keep my head low and just call police to handle it the way they do.

    Also, I didn't just ditch when police arrived. I stuck around long enough to answer their initial questions. They seemed pretty short with me though, seemed pretty skeptical of what I was telling them for one reason or another. Maybe next time just better to let them duke it out on their own, because I really do not like interacting with police on any level.
  • 02-20-2017, 11:09 PM
    7washington
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Independent of all other responses, I want to say this:

    You did what you thought was right, OP, and it probably was. Holding back and calling the police without interrupting what was going on could have led to...well, it's tough to even imagine it. Don't tear yourself down over what happened; instead, let the pain strengthen your resolve to see justice done.

    In the future, I would recommend (and this is horrendous, but it's the best I've got) recording the audio you mentioned in your original post if it was loud enough to wake you. The recording should be enough to initiate some kind of action on the part of the police, unless they're horrendously inept.

    https://www.brickunderground.com/liv...s_being_abused

    Also, read this if you like. It's all so...delicate.
  • 02-20-2017, 11:16 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    Quote:

    Quoting 7washington
    View Post
    Independent of all other responses, I want to say this:

    You did what you thought was right, OP, and it probably was. Holding back and calling the police without interrupting what was going on could have led to...well, it's tough to even imagine it. Don't tear yourself down over what happened; instead, let the pain strengthen your resolve to see justice done.

    In the future, I would recommend (and this is horrendous, but it's the best I've got) recording the audio you mentioned in your original post if it was loud enough to wake you. The recording should be enough to initiate some kind of action on the part of the police, unless they're horrendously inept.

    https://www.brickunderground.com/liv...s_being_abused

    Also, read this if you like. It's all so...delicate.

    Oh good grief.
  • 02-21-2017, 11:35 AM
    cdwjava
    Re: Why Wouldn't the Police Make a Domestic Violence Arrest
    I guess I take a different tack here. If I thought someone was being beaten, I would intervene. I couldn't look at myself if I later discovered that someone was injured and I did nothing to intervene. There are times when it is unwise, but who here can say that what the OP did was unwise given the circumstances as he knew them at the time? I wasn't there, none of the rest of us were there, only the OP was there and could assess the situation to the best of his ability.

    Evil triumphs when good men do nothing. While my official recommendation is that one should call the police and be a good witness as there are too many variables that could place someone at risk, I am not going to criticize someone for acting to aid another.

    I recall a parolee who took a chance at going back to prison when he observed the neighbor beating his pregnant wife. The parolee took a bat, challenged the abuser to pick on someone his own side, and the abuser decided to come after the parolee, and the abuser suffered a bat to the side of the head for it. The parolee went to jail with a parole hold and thought he'd go back to prison for doing what he did. Fortunately, the DA felt it was an act in defense of another and refused to prosecute the case (his first words at arraignment was, "Nice job with that bat!").
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