I recently found myself in a confrontation and have some questions about the legal implications.
TL;DR: A girl initiated a physical fight with me, hitting me multiple times in the temple, which might have caused a mild concussion. I expect to have bruises as well. Will the school call the police?
To give you some context, this girl had been harassing me for weeks, calling me names like “pussy.” Although there were pre-existing issues which I won’t go into detail about here, she was clearly in the wrong and took advantage of my attempts to be kind.
Fast forward to today: I was in the bathroom with a friend, a place we usually meet after school, when this girl’s friends were already inside. After a moment of conversation, she walked in.
I glanced at her, and she snapped, “What are you looking at?” Frustrated, I replied, “You, bitch.” She challenged me to say it to her face, so I did, saying, “You’re a fucking bitch.” That’s when she slapped me, pulled my hair, and dragged me to the ground. I had never been in a fight before, so I was caught off guard. She then punched me several times in the temple with enough force that it disoriented me. My friend and her friends eventually had to pull her off me.
Someone filmed the fight, capturing her throwing the first punch. I’m concerned about whether the police will get involved, given the circumstances of the altercation and the potential for serious injury. Additionally, is it possible for her to face expulsion? My school has a strict “zero tolerance” policy for fighting, which can lead to suspensions or even expulsion.
I’m really sorry to hear that you had to go through such a stressful situation. It sounds like it was quite intense. In regard to your questions, here are a few things to consider:
Police Involvement: Whether or not the police get involved often depends on the severity of the incident and if there are any serious injuries. Since you mentioned that you could have a concussion and that there’s video evidence of the altercation, it’s possible that the school might report it, especially if it falls under their violence policy. It’s always best to report such incidents to the school administration so they can take appropriate action.
School Policy: Schools typically have specific protocols for handling fights, especially with a “zero tolerance” policy. Since you mentioned that the fight was recorded and that there were witnesses, it’s likely that the school will investigate the incident thoroughly. Depending on the findings, she could face disciplinary actions including suspension or even expulsion.
Document Everything: If you haven’t already, make sure to document everything about the incident—what led up to it, what happened during the fight, and any injuries you may have sustained. Consider notifying a trusted adult or school counselor about the harassment leading up to the fight as well.
Medical Attention: If you suspect you may have a concussion or if you’re feeling unwell, it’s very important to seek medical attention. Your health should be your top priority.
Legal Advice: If you are seriously concerned about potential legal repercussions or harassment issues, it might be worthwhile to speak to a legal professional who can give you tailored advice based on your situation.
Keep your head up, and remember that it’s okay to seek support from friends, family, or counselors during this tough time. You deserve to feel safe and supported at school.