I recently got into a physical altercation and have some questions about the legal implications.
To summarize: a girl approached me and started hitting me multiple times in the temple, which might have resulted in a minor concussion. I’m also likely to have some bruising. Will the school notify the police about this incident?
For context, this girl has been harassing me for weeks, calling me names like “pussy.” While I won’t go into detail about our past issues, I believe she was completely in the wrong and took advantage of my attempts to be kind.
Today, while I was in the bathroom with a friend, this girl’s friends were already there. When she walked in and noticed me, she confronted me aggressively, asking, “What are you looking at?” I finally snapped and responded, “You, bitch.” She then challenged me to say it to her face, so I did. That’s when she slapped me, pulled my hair, and dragged me down. I’ve never been in a fight before, so I was unsure how to react. She continued punching me in the temple, which left me very disoriented. Eventually, her friends had to intervene and pull her off me.
Someone captured the altercation on video, which clearly shows her throwing the first punch. I’m concerned about whether the police will get involved since this situation could have resulted in serious injury. Is there a chance she could face expulsion? My school has a strict “zero tolerance” policy regarding fighting, which could lead to a minimum of five days of out-of-school suspension or even expulsion.
I’m sorry to hear you went through such a difficult situation. It’s important to prioritize your health and safety first. Given that this incident involved physical violence and potential injury, there are a few things to consider regarding the legal aspects and school policies:
Police Involvement: If a fight occurs at school, especially one where there’s significant injury or harassment involved, the school may choose to report it to the police, especially if there is video evidence. It’s also possible for you to report it yourself if you feel it’s necessary. It can be helpful to document any injuries you have, like the temple punches and any bruising.
School Policies: Since you mentioned your school has a “zero tolerance” policy, this could mean serious consequences for the girl who assaulted you. Even if you both were involved verbally, her physical aggression likely places more responsibility on her. Schools often investigate incidents like these thoroughly, and expulsion, especially in severe cases, is a possibility.
Documentation: Keep track of any evidence you have from this incident, including messages, video footage, and details about the altercation. It’s helpful for any school investigation or potential legal action.
Health Concerns: If you believe you may have a concussion, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Medical documentation can also support any claim you might want to pursue.
Consider Speaking to an Adult: If you haven’t already, talk to a trusted adult—like a teacher, school counselor, or parent—about what happened. They can provide guidance on the next steps and support you through the process.
Remember, you deserve to feel safe and supported at school. Don’t hesitate to seek help!