apathy, ignorance and incompetence

driving home one night in UB, a friend witnessed an abduction and most likely a prelude to rape.  two men grabbed a woman walking by the street.  my friend and a colleague were in a car.   there were several other cars in front and behind them.  as the woman struggled, my friend furiously honked his horn to catch the men’s attention.  the men then punched the woman on the stomach and carried her cave man-like, hieing off into the darkness. 

my first thoughts  were -  shouldnt have my friend done something other than honk his horn? would getting out of the car to help the woman wise?  or not?  then call the police? but will the police be able to come fast enough and respond well enough?  most likely not.   what should have others who may have witnessed the incident done?

ideally, i think:  

a]  those who saw what was happening could have taken action collectively, eg. not just one person honking but the entire fleet of cars perhaps, or several people could have gotten out of their cars and helped the woman.  [the smart aleck would ask, ” why should i, its the police’s business none of mine”  and ” what if the molesters were armed?”  well then, what if they weren’t?  the next course of action depends] .  this is called citizens’ action. 

b]   the woman could have been armed with some self protective skills, eg. martial arts. or simply knowing what to do when assaulted and how to avoid being in a risky situation. 

c]   a better legal and justice system would have made those men think twice or thrice or prevent them from commiting such  an act.  laws could be more strict and law enforcement measures could be stronger.  these include putting up improved law enforcement systems and procedures, sensitization and competence development among law enforcers. 

we are unfortunately in a far less ideal world.