What do you do

[Comfortzone]

What would you have done in this situation?

This is happening more & more when I'm in the high street or public places

See a male quietly but aggressively talking to a female he knows, usually holding her wrists or other arm around her or blocking her

Today it happened and as I went past her she turned caught my eye

I'm regretting not having stopped to ask her anything to get her out of that situation eg. question to get her to show me directions to somewhere or something else. She looked about 15 years old pale, distressed He was about 22

I'm really annoyed with myself for walking on

Is there anything I can do if this happens again?

I can understand your concern about intervening. But it would have been totally acceptable to ring 999, advise there was an incident ongoing, try and get to ask safe place where you can watch without them seeing you so you can keep police updated, if they go to a car, get the registration. They should respond as an emergency in the circumstances you describe above.

Take photo on phone if safe to do so at a distance (discretely). It could help with police safeguarding inquiries if this is a known vulnerable person, and there is no CCTV available. Call 999 to report assault. I would have asked the female is she was ok, but I accept that is not a wise move as you have to worry about being attacked. Doing something is better than doing nothing tbh. Having previously worked in domestic violence services, women have told me that a stranger stepping in during an incident has been a trigger for them to escape an abuser and access welfare services. Not always the case, but if it saves one person from terror then it is worth the public taking some action when they see wrong-doing on the street.

Thank you both for your replies, really helpful