A 14-year-old boy praised for his bravery after stopping the alleged bashing of a woman says “no one else was doing anything about it” so he intervened.
A 14-year-old boy who came to the aid of a woman allegedly being assaulted by her partner in western Sydney says “I did what any person should do and step in”.
The boy was on a school bus in Riverstone on Friday afternoon when he saw a man and woman involved in an argument on the footpath.
The man then allegedly punched the woman repeatedly in the face.
He quickly got off the bus and approached the man, refusing to leave the scene.
The 32-year-old man allegedly responded by grabbing the teenager by the throat and pushing him away until others intervened.
“The fact no one was doing anything else about it at the time … I did what any person should do and step in,” the boy, who used the alias Hunter, told reporters on Saturday.
The man left in a car with the 27-year-old woman, but was arrested a short time later.
The Bidwell man was charged with domestic violence-related assault occasioning actual bodily harm and common assault.
He appeared before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday and was refused bail to face Blacktown Local Court on Wednesday.
Police commended the 14-year-old for his bravery.
“He showed courage and determination well beyond his years,” Detective Chief Inspector David Miller said.
“We certainly need more people like this in the community who stand up and speak out against domestic violence.”
Acting Inspector Jason Shaw told reporters the assault stopped as a result of the boy’s intervention, rather than becoming more serious.
“I think we’ve got to all know that domestic violence isn’t acceptable any time, anywhere, and if you see domestic violence, step up and intervene if you can,” he said.
“If you can’t intervene, ring the police.
“If it’s urgent, if it’s happening right there and then, call triple-0.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse or family violence contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help by contacting Lifeline on 13 11 14
Men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues, should contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491
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