Horrible incident/assault in the Science Museum yesterday

[Dodo76]

Had a horrible incident in the Science Museum yesterday when I was there with DP and his DCs, 10 and 8 and my DSs, 5 and 3. DSs were playing with a water feature in the kids play area in the basement. DP and I were stood at one end watching (the feature was 3-4m long max). I was watching DS1 when I saw a woman start screaming at him and waving her finger right in his face. I went over and said, can you please not scream at him and waive your finger in his face (then was about to ask what he had done) when this woman turned on me and started screaming at me that I was a terrible mother, that it was my fault DS1 as like this etc. I asked her to stop screaming at me at which point she pushed me hard backwards. I was completely shocked and said do not push me and went to find a security guard and DP (who had gone to check on his DS) who then came over then the woman kept screaming at DP saying I was a terrible mother, mad etc. The manager came and we both went out. She told her version, no doubt a pack of lies, then I told mine but because it was my word against hers they couldn't do anything. I said I had been assaulted and did not want to go back in with that woman there. I know it's not a massive thing but I am completely shaken and can't stop crying. What is also really upsetting is that this incident was witnessed by about 20-30 people and none stepped in or came forward to support my version of what happened, although I think a few people were telling her to shut up etc. I may be overreacted but I have called the police and was going to formally report it later today but am now wondering whether to bother as there were no cameras there and I can't see that they would bother to take it further. I just feel like I don't want to leave the house. Any guidance on what to do would be very welcome.

[SauceForTheGander]

Dodo it's really shit. Being a parent and out entertaining your DCs can be stressful enough without other parents making it worse.

[Dodo76]

Sauce, I honestly wish I had stayed at work then none of this would have happened. Perhaps a lesson for the future - try to do less.

[Burma]

It does sound very upsetting and ending up with being yelled at on the platform would turn me into a hermit too . Try and put it behind you and just think the bloody planets must have all been in the wrong place last week and hopefully will be better aligned next week .

[SauceForTheGander]

I was upset for ages and I was just insulted. I understand why you're crying and posting on here. Pour yourself a drink. You know what happened, you know she was unreasonable. Feb half term is hard work because of weather and crowds in main attractions.

We were on big Christmas Day out and it was shit. I'd worked so hard preparing for it.

Next time my DCs get TV all day and crisps.

[HandMini]

Dodo - well done you for getting out there and doing something nice with your DSs. Rest assured that they will be a lot less bothered about this incident than you are. I would not report...put it behind you. This woman is a nutcase - just unfortunate that you crossed her path.

[thatwouldbeanecumenicalmatter]

I had a woman accuse me of 'hitting her with a metal pole' at the top of her voice in a packed train station ticket office. My crime? I'd went through the turnstyle before her and it had jammed on her!

Some people are ticking time bombs. You did nothing wrong to warrant that OP.

[cakebar]

Things like this sit with me and make me feel uneasy for a long time so I do symphathise OP. There are some horrible, over aggressive people out there. You do say there's nothing you could have done differently but I think there are things you can do to de-escalate situations like these. You went straight up and told her not to shout and wave her finger at your ds which is confrontational. What if you had said 'what's happening here?', she would have ranted about snatching and hitting, you could have said 'oh dear, we'll move over here' and made quick exit steering DS. It is best to just get yourself away and to a safe place. I find it hard to imagine she would have chased after you and shoved you then.

You then have a chat with DS about how some people are not nice and it's best to steer clear. I wouldn't have replied - just you said there was no way to avoid the push, and like redhelenB up thread (who has been slated) I think there are things you can do to minimise conflict.

[blueshoes]

Hi OP, I totally understand. I would have been upset too. No one can fault you for standing up for your ds. I am not sure I would have been as restrained as you tbh, certainly if I had my way that woman would have been gutted and her insides thrown into the fountain.

Being shoved would have provoked something quite visceral and unsettled me no end. It is not something I would do nor witness and to have it done to me would have crossed many many boundaries in my mind. I don't live like an animal and don't expect to share my space with an animal either. And God forbid if anyone threatened my dc.

She is a nutter.

Do report to the police. Even if it is useless, it does offer some closure. I have unfair things done to me in my life and I have always felt better to write a formal complaint or made a police report. In these instances, I don't live and let live. That's for cowards and people (like those gawpers spectators at the fountain) who look the other way. Well done you.

I hope the rest of your personal life settles down and your ds was not too upset.