Teen Caught In Moral Dilemma After Witnessing Shocking Display Of Domestic Violence And Pressure To Keep Silent

“I saw my step-brother backhand his girlfriend hard. Now she wants me to keep it a secret.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• March 17, 2024

Last night was supposed to be just another routine stay at her stepbrother's house. But things quickly turned sinister when our narrator (Original Poster) witnessed a shocking scene.

The evening started innocently enough with a hearty roast dinner prepared by Alyssa, OP’s stepbrother's girlfriend. After lending a hand with cleanup, OP made a beeline for the shower only to realize she’d forgotten her toothbrush. 

It was supposed to be a quick grab and dash, but when OP heard suspicious scuffles from the kitchen, she couldn’t help but peer in—and then she saw it. 

Whack! Her stepbrother’s backhand slammed squarely into Alyssa's cheek. She locked eyes with OP for an instant before looking away.

Shocked and unsure of how to react, OP retreated to the bathroom, grappling with the weight of what she had just witnessed. Does she alert their mom? The authorities? The anxiety heightened with each passing minute.

In the end, OP decided to talk it over with Alyssa first before making any move. She did leave the door open a crack in case things escalated and authorities needed to be notified.

Morning came, and Alyssa collapsed into sobs while pleading with OP not to tell anyone. This wasn’t the first incident, but according to Alyssa, “he has a temper, and she understands.”

OP couldn’t concentrate on schoolwork all day. Alyssa’s safety was at stake since they lived together—anything could happen! OP’s stepbrother was completely oblivious to the fact she’d seen his gruesome act, so she had to tread carefully as well.

How best can she handle this?

The story in detail

A little background

OP saw her stepbrother hit his girlfriend, Alyssa. All through the night, she kept contemplating whether to keep quiet or inform her stepmom about it

The next morning, Alyssa made OP promise to keep what she saw a secret. Apparently, it wasn’t the first time

OP was considering telling her stepmom, but she was worried for Alyssa’s safety as well since the couple live together

Too long; didn’t read

We gathered some reactions from the Reddit community.

“If you're in the US, please call the National Domestic Violence hotline and ask them for advice - both for Alyssa and you.”

“Will your mum deal with it quietly and not say anything, understanding the safety issue? If so, I'd say tell her.”

“Please tell Alyssa that she can’t lose a baby because of trying heroin one time. Take that guilt off of her.”

“I don't think I could have handled the situation like you did when I was your age.”

“It doesn't sound like a safe situation for you between your abusive step brother and their drug use.”

Redditors strongly advised reaching out to a National Domestic Violence Hotline for guidance and support. 

Alyssa's situation is complex, but love shouldn't come at the cost of safety. Hopefully, with a little encouragement and support, OP can help her understand this. 

And remember, OP, understanding and patience are crucial—It’s never easy for victims to leave an abusive relationship. 

Do you agree with the commenters? Share your thoughts with us.

Jesse