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Original poster

Assaulted at work

44 replies

endangeredmum · 03/09/2024 19:51

Hello

Last weekend, I was assaulted twice by a guest at a wedding I was photographing.

The guest was a 7/8 year old autistic child who firstly hit me on the side of my head and secondly pulled my neck back by my ponytail whilst I was photographing on the dance floor. I nearly fell backwards and was emotionally traumatised and had to leave work immediately.

Both the bride and the boys mother saw everything happen and apologised immediately, the staff at the wedding also witnessed me sobbing in a corner after the assault. (I have just left an abusive relationship after 5 years and so this was particularly impactful)

I am self employed and have proof of the assault as the bride has messaged to ask if I am ok.

What are my rights here?

OP posts:
Nelsonmandelaforever · 03/09/2024 22:12

endangeredmum · 03/09/2024 19:51

Hello

Last weekend, I was assaulted twice by a guest at a wedding I was photographing.

The guest was a 7/8 year old autistic child who firstly hit me on the side of my head and secondly pulled my neck back by my ponytail whilst I was photographing on the dance floor. I nearly fell backwards and was emotionally traumatised and had to leave work immediately.

Both the bride and the boys mother saw everything happen and apologised immediately, the staff at the wedding also witnessed me sobbing in a corner after the assault. (I have just left an abusive relationship after 5 years and so this was particularly impactful)

I am self employed and have proof of the assault as the bride has messaged to ask if I am ok.

What are my rights here?

Crimes committed by children under the age of ten or with limited mental capacity can be reported to police and do get recorded. Most likely it will be filed without any formal action. It will be given a relevant outcome.

tolerable · 03/09/2024 22:15

for not finishing your shift rights?
there were unexpected,unprecedented circumstances surely?

InsensibleMe · 03/09/2024 22:47

Do you want to get some comp? A few grand off the parents?

Itsjustmeheretoday · 03/09/2024 23:31

This is horrible, but you were traumatistised by it? That seems like an extreme reaction. Is there some back story?

Karmaisac4t · 03/09/2024 23:40

Itsjustmeheretoday · 03/09/2024 23:31

This is horrible, but you were traumatistised by it? That seems like an extreme reaction. Is there some back story?

Read the full OP.

Timeforaglassofwine · 03/09/2024 23:51

I'm sorry this happened to you op. For someone (like me) who isn't used to autistic kids, their behaviour can be quite shocking and frightening. My dc had an autistic friend in reception class, and I think it must have been a case of the teaching staff were overwhelmed by him as he was free to attack the other children regularly. I don't know what the answer is, but it isn't pleasant to be on the receiving end.

planAplanB · 03/09/2024 23:52

Try working in a school...

Itsjustmeheretoday · 03/09/2024 23:54

Karmaisac4t · 03/09/2024 23:40

Read the full OP.

Show quote history

I did. It obviously isn't nice, but it's a total overreaction. He was 7 or 8 and he pushed her and pulled her hair.

WhichEllie · 04/09/2024 00:28

Itsjustmeheretoday · 03/09/2024 23:54

I did. It obviously isn't nice, but it's a total overreaction. He was 7 or 8 and he pushed her and pulled her hair.

Show quote history

From the OP:
I have just left an abusive relationship after 5 years and so this was particularly impactful

The child struck her in the head and yanked her backwards by the hair. If she recently escaped a relationship where her partner also hit her in the head and dragged her around by the hair then yes, obviously having it done to her unexpectedly is going to trigger a panic response. Hence her crying uncontrollably after it happened.

Itsjustmeheretoday · 04/09/2024 00:29

WhichEllie · 04/09/2024 00:28

From the OP:
I have just left an abusive relationship after 5 years and so this was particularly impactful

The child struck her in the head and yanked her backwards by the hair. If she recently escaped a relationship where her partner also hit her in the head and dragged her around by the hair then yes, obviously having it done to her unexpectedly is going to trigger a panic response. Hence her crying uncontrollably after it happened.

Show quote history

Ah thank you, totally missed that. That makes more sense now

SnowFrogJelly · 04/09/2024 01:17

StarSlinger · 03/09/2024 21:13

You would report an autistic child to the police? really?

I'm afraid I agree with this

Fraaahnces · 04/09/2024 01:24

Did you go to a doctor? I think you probably should to report your trauma. It will help you just in case they try suing you. Also as you were not told of risks, or protected from them, I believe maybe you should consider seeking legal advice yourself.

TransformerZ · 04/09/2024 01:32

If he can do that do an adult he can seriously hurt a child. Report to the police and bring a civil case against the parents.
Get witness statements from the staff at the venue.
See a solicitor.

imforeverblowingbuttons · 04/09/2024 05:15

I'd write to the bride and groom to explain why you left early (if you haven't yet) and then leave it. It's reasonable to leave a job early due to being assaulted

ComeTheFckOnBridget · 04/09/2024 05:38

InsensibleMe · 03/09/2024 22:47

Do you want to get some comp? A few grand off the parents?

Don't be an arse.

The op has clearly said in their second post that they're worried about being sued for not completing the event

NiftyKoala · 04/09/2024 05:56

I can see how this incident could take you right back to the abuse you suffered. I hope you are being kind to yourself and take time to heal.

CallMeFlo · 04/09/2024 20:22

TransformerZ · 04/09/2024 01:32

If he can do that do an adult he can seriously hurt a child. Report to the police and bring a civil case against the parents.
Get witness statements from the staff at the venue.
See a solicitor.

God I hope youre being sarcastic.

stichguru · 05/09/2024 20:33

I think you most certain should get paid for all the costs you occurred for the event, your pay in full as if you had worked for the agreed duration, and not incur any penalty for leaving early. However, surely you KNOW why people thought you were being way out of line. Like you could easily have changed the title, left out the first sentence and finished with something like "can I ask the bride to pay the full costs of me being at the wedding the whole time?" rather then "what are my rights here?". You know how this sounded.

workoholic · 06/09/2024 00:00

StarSlinger · 03/09/2024 21:13

You would report an autistic child to the police? really?

I was thinking the same...

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