Reasonable Fear of Harm: Understanding When to Take Action
A reasonable fear of harm arises when a person genuinely believes they are in immediate danger of serious injury or harm. This fear is based on facts or circumstances that create a legitimate threat, rather than imagined or exaggerated concerns.
A Bully Approaches
Definition:
Reasonable fear of harm refers to a justified and rational sense of danger based on situations where the threat of serious physical, emotional, or legal harm is evident and immediate.
Real-life Examples:
- Physical Threats: Someone brandishing a weapon in a public space.
- Domestic Violence: Recognizing signs of escalating abuse in a household situation.
- Stalking Behavior: Persistent unwanted attention or following that threatens personal safety.
- Workplace Violence: A co-worker making direct, credible threats about harming others.
- Severe Bullying: Receiving threats of physical aggression or intimidation in school or online.
When Should You Act?
If a threat feels urgent and unavoidable, take immediate action (e.g., calling 911 or removing yourself from the situation).
If patterns or behaviors suggest a growing threat, seek professional help, such as law enforcement or counseling services
If someone else exhibits a reasonable fear of harm and seems unable to act, step in or notify authorities.
Never dismiss your intuition about safety. If the danger feels real and evident, it’s better to seek help or prepare to defend yourself rather than to ignore the signs. Stay aware and prioritize protection for yourself and others.
Today, society would rather record issues for likes on social media than help their fellow man; this needs to change. This begins with you!
