If someone witnesses a potential sexual assault, what should they do?

Witnessing a potential sexual assault places an individual in a critical position where their actions can significantly impact the situation and the safety of those involved. Reporting the incident to authorities is essential as they are trained to handle such situations effectively. This route ensures that the appropriate law enforcement or support services can intervene and provide help.

Intervening if safe is also crucial, as direct action can deter the assailant and potentially protect the victim. However, the safety of the witness should be paramount; intervening should not put themselves or others in danger. By opting to report the incident, the witness is fulfilling their social and ethical responsibility to help those in need while also promoting accountability for the behavior exhibited by the alleged assailant.

The other choices misalign with the best practices for responding to potential sexual assault situations. Ignoring the situation does not help the victim and allows the harmful behavior to continue. Recording a video might not only be inappropriate in a high-stress situation but could also compromise the privacy and dignity of those involved. Confronting the accused directly could escalate the situation, potentially putting the witness and the victim at greater risk.