Is it normal to be a victim of the bystander effect?

We need more posts like this. It was interesting and something I didn't know about. For me personally, I have already been tested this way (a potential manslaughter as opposed to a rape) and I did step in straight away. I'm also proud that I did. I don't think you know what you're going to do until you're actually in that situation.

only if it's big. If i feel that i would regret not having made a difference afterwards.
You can pick your pencil up yourself, sir.

I would definitely help (at least call the police)

I a situation where an attacker is armed, I would think of my own safety first, & would not intervene, but call the police.

People can answer the poll all they want and most will say they would help but the evidence suggests something else entirely. No one really knows what they would do until they are in such a situation.
I love this topic though and I'm glad to see you know your stuff. I still answered the poll and appreciate you bringing to light something important to be aware of, I'm simply pointing out how self-report is never trustworthy or very accurate.

I watched an old man have a heart attack on a busy street, it did not entertain me.

Probably not. I'm terrified of blood, bodily fluids, people, and violent people. I'm also not qualified to give anyone aid and I don't know marital arts. If the attacker came back, I'd wouldn't be able to fight him off. I'd be of no help to the person. I'd feel bad for not helping, but hopefully someone else would be qualified enough to help out. If possible, I would try to help as much as I can. If someone is having a heart attack call for help or call 911.

Off topic, but I could have sworn that I named this poll, "Are you a victim of the bystander effect?"

In that case, I would have just called the cops. I am not going to put my life in any danger because, let's face it, 2 victims are much worse than one.

I usually pick up pencils for other people.

And if the person is having a heart attack, I would just call 911. I am not trained in CPR and AED, add that to the fact that I live in the United States in the state of California, which has the highest concentration of lawyers in the country. I give CPR, save the person's life but accidentally end up breaking a rib and I get sued, my wages are garnished for the next 10 years because I was being a good samaritan. Hell no.

In most cases, I would just call 911. I am not going to take the liability upon myself, it's not going to happen. Sorry to sound like a cold bitch and all, but that's the way things are in this country now.

And the sad part about what I just said is that it is not only a possibility, but a probability.

Depends. I would be putting myself in danger, so instead of there being one victim, I give the whole incident potential to have two victims, me and the original victim.
Too many people like to play hero, and it has been why some people have died.
If there was a way to sneak up on the victimizer, then I would stab him and try get the woman safe, depending on the wound. If it was a fatal one, I wouldn't be able to move her, so I'd have to call for an ambulance.

If there were about three people targeting one person, then I most likely wouldn't involve myself. I'm not going to obviously put my life to risk in a failed attempt to help another. Unless, ofcourse there was a good chance of stopping the, but that isn't likely. Maybe a molitov would do the trick.

I'll help, as long as I don't have a personal dislike of the person in need.

I.E. I'll help friends and strangers, but not enemies, regardless of how serious the need is.