DS/racism/assault

[coffeeandcreamer]

Hi I'm wondering if anyone would have any experience and be able to tell me what might happen next.

Long story short, after school just outside school premises last week my son was racially abused by another student who repeatedly called him the N word (my son is mixed race). My son eventually saw red and punched him (once). He then walked away called me, called me hysterically crying and I collected him and drove him home. After he had calmed down we returned to school to speak to a staff member/see if the boy was ok (he had gone down). Both boys are 16. There are many witnesses who back up this version of events.

The other boy had to go to hospital the next day due to how swollen his face was and they x rayed him for a broken cheekbone but thankfully it was fine.

I've just been informed by the school that the boys dad wants to involve the police.

I am so scared for my son, he is (honestly) a lovely boy and has never been in trouble, never had a fight throughout his school life. But, regardless of the reason, he has assaulted someone.

Does anyone know what might happen?

Please be kind.

Schools are supposed to record indidents of racism arent they? Is school doing that?

Make sure you also report the racist incident to the police. As there is illegal actions on both parts you may find the police decide to deal with it as a caution for both parties.

Your poor son hope he's ok. Please report it as a racist incident to the police x

I'd contact a solicitor for advice OP.

Usually in instances where both sides are as bad as the other, it's not taken further. But best to get yourself represented sooner rather than later.

Glad your son smacked him! You shouldn’t be able to go around shouting abuse at people!! You never know who you are abusing and can’t complain if you get a smack in the face!

You'll probably find given how pressured police are currently, the circumstances and boys ages and both being in the wrong in the legal sense that this will be dealt with relatively conservatively. You might find that actually what the process involves for the racist comments and potential court / magistrate involvement will persuade the other boys father to attempt to settle things , possibly with written apologies on both sides. I don't want to get your hope's up, but with the current climate police will be trying to limit court actions in certain circumstances. Unfortunately you may have to accept the father may want to press charges, but your sons good character and the racism will be taken into account.

But, regardless of the reason, he has assaulted someone.

Don't think like this, support your son. He was assaulted too!

Report the racist, verbal assault on your son to the police and tell the school to inform the school you are doing so. Also ask school to collect witness statements for you and their records.

I hope your son is ok.

Tell the school to inform the others parents.

Sorry to hear this OP😕

Fizzybug he knows he has my 100% support, I more meant 'in the eyes of the law' he has committed an assault regardless of how understandable the reason

^But, regardless of the reason, he has assaulted someone.

Don't think like this, support your son. He was assaulted too! ^

^^couldnt agree more. Your son did no wrong

I honestly wasn't attacking or judging you OP and sorry if it came across that way.

Thanks for the posts, they are making me feel a little more calm. I haven't told my son about the potential for police involvement yet...

I've tried my hardest to protect him from outright racist abuse all his life but now as he's older there's no getting away from the fact that it WILL happen. Now I need to help him deal with it in the right way when it arises.

Sorry fizzybug i did get that's what you meant from your post no worries

Can't believe this still happens. Your poor son. He was obviously pushed to the limit. As a mum I would want to knock the other kid's block off!!

He is lucky to have such a supportive mum and I am sure that nothing will come of it. You do however need to make sure the school are aware of the racial abuse. Good luck with that.