Lesson 20 · Prevention
After an incident
Secure. Get help. Document. Recover.
The situation is not automatically over when the immediate attack ends. Other people, unnoticed injuries, shock reactions and later legal or psychological effects require a clear aftercare plan.
Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Start in a familiar, low-risk setting and identify a clear exit or support option.
- Separate observable behaviour from assumptions about a person.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Recognise the situation and act early
The four illustrations connect perception, positioning and a safer exit.
Check safety
Create distance, watch for further danger and move to a well-lit or busy location. Do not return to the confrontation.
Make the emergency call
State the location, what happened, injuries and current danger briefly. Follow the dispatcher's instructions and do not minimise medical symptoms.
Record facts
Promptly note witnesses, time, place, direction of travel, visible injuries and your immediate observations. Do not present assumptions as facts.
Accept aftercare
Have injuries medically assessed. Discuss sleep problems, severe agitation, intrusive memories or persistent fear with trusted people and qualified support.
Sound decisions
- Reach a safer location first
- Seek medical help early for injuries
- Preserve facts and witness details promptly
- Take psychological strain seriously without shame
Avoid
- Following a fleeing attacker
- Underestimating injuries because of adrenaline
- Coordinating accounts with other witnesses
- Managing persistent symptoms alone
Knowledge check
Choose the option that preserves safety
The danger has ended, you are shaking strongly and notice pain in your head. What takes priority?
- AGo home alone and wait.
- BSearch for the attacker.
- CReach a safer location, arrange emergency or medical help and record the incident factually.
- DPost everything on social media first.
Show answer
C. Stress can initially mask injuries. Safety, medical assessment and factual documentation protect health and later review.
After leaving, reach a safe place, get medical help, record facts and seek support for persistent stress reactions.