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Being attacked in a public space, such as on the premises of a shopping mall, bar, club, hotel, apartment complex, healthcare facility, or office building complex, can be a life-altering experience. As a victim, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, wondering what steps you can take to heal, regain your confidence, and recover what you might have lost as a result of the attack. This article will help you understand the actions you need to take after an assault in a public space to protect yourself and recover legally, emotionally, and physically.
Get to Safety Immediately
After an attack, getting away from the attacker is a top priority. Even if you had belongings with you at the time of the attack, don't bother trying to find them. Leave them behind and look for a place where you'll be out of the offender's view, and if possible, let there be a solid barrier between you and the threat. If there are other people wounded as a result of the attack, help yourself first, then the others, if you can. Otherwise, wait for the emergency response team to do so. Remember, fighting back should only be a last resort when you're unable to run to cover.
Report to the Police
Call the police as soon as possible and describe your location, the attacker, and the weapons in their possession. Observe details about the attacker, including their clothing, physical appearance, or any distinguishing features. Such information can be valuable for police investigations. If the attacker left the place before the police arrived, avoid touching anything in the area because it could serve as evidence that can help the police apprehend the offender. Cooperate fully with the authorities and follow their instructions.
Speak to a Negligent Security Lawyer
After the police investigation, the state may charge the person who hurt you and even convict them of their crime. But the criminal conviction of your attacker won't pay for the damages or injuries they caused you. However, you can speak to a lawyer about filing a civil case against the management of the premises where the incident occurred or the building owner for negligent security. Such a lawsuit is filed when the owners of a property fail to take reasonable steps to ensure their business premises are safe enough for residents, visitors, or customers. According to Seay/Felton LLC, an Atlanta negligent security lawyer, "Property owners have a legal duty to ensure that their premises are reasonably safe, especially if there is a known history of crime in the area. If they fail in this duty, and someone is injured or harmed, they can be held liable for negligent security."
Seek Support From Others
Experiencing an attack can be traumatic. To help you during this difficult time, reach out to friends and family who can provide emotional support. You may also want to speak to a counselor or join a victim support organization for assistance. This kind of association can give you the chance to talk about the way you feel and learn about other people's experiences and how they're coping, giving you the courage to move on.
Take Care of Yourself and Maintain a Normal Routine
The way you care for yourself physically can affect your emotional well-being. So, engage in healthy habits such as staying physically active and eating healthy. Also, avoid leaning to alcohol or substance overuse. And since an attack can make life feel chaotic, you should try to maintain a normal lifestyle and routine. Having such a structure can make you feel stable and more powerful. But while at it, avoid overloading your schedule. Give yourself more time to perform tasks and take a break if you need to.
Review Your Personal Security Measures
After the incident, assess your personal safety measures to identify areas that you might need to improve upon. You can consider taking measures such as attending self-defense classes, installing security systems, and identifying areas around your home that need better lighting. When in public spaces, try to be aware of your surroundings and watch out for warning signs of danger, such as violent altercations, substance abuse, or expressed anger. Also, try to identify emergencies and areas to hide in the event of an attack. Being aware of your surroundings is different from being constantly fearful. Unlike awareness, fear can make you paranoid as it focuses on what could happen while clogging your mind with racing thoughts. This could leave you less aware of what is actually going on around you.
