Should I have said something to this abusive man?

[IChangedForThis]

Was in my local town today and walked past an elderly couple. The man was saying something aggressively and I heard the words ' smash it over your head'. I thought he might have been referencing something he heard someone else say. I kept walking and they were behind me. I then heard him again say ' I told you I will smash it over your fucking head'.

I turned round and his wife, I'm assuming, looked really sad. She was shaking from what I could see too. He then continued to hurl abuse at her and she was just mumbling.

He then grabbed her arm and marched her across the road. Practically dragging her.

I'm feeling really disappointed in myself that I didn't say something at the time. To stand up to him. I had my dc with me and I didn't want them to see me in any confrontation.

That poor lady must live a miserable life.
I should have said something shouldn't I ?

How old are your children? I think you always have to prioritise your children's safety, but I would have wanted to say something too. That poor woman. I'm so sick of abusive men, I think it's actually getting worse

@IChangedForThis , if U did,it probably would've ended up worse for her. He would have got her home and blamed her for, 'drawing attention to herself '. She has to realise it for herself. I did the right thing, as hard as it was.

I wouldn’t have said anything to him directly, because it’s likely he would take it out on her later.
when I was younger I did intervene on a night out in a domestic abuse situation and I was punched several times. So both would put me off saying anything.

I don't know what you could have said really. Especially as you had your DC with you. I can't think what I would have said. I might have stared at him deliberately and looked shocked and angry, just to show that his behaviour wasn't acceptable.

I don't doubt that she would have got the blame if I did say anything.

It's definitely something I'm noticing more often. Almost like they are becoming more brazen as people ( like myself) are not standing up to them.

I hope one day she can get away from him. They were both elderly so I have a horrible feeling she may have just resigned herself to living like this.

Dementia effects

you were right not to say anything (I have this from domestic abuse survivors)
in a different situation, if you are able to speak to a woman alone with no chance of him knowing, you can say something like 'it's not right, how he's treating you- your doctor/school/the police can find some help for you'