Getting back to Steve's original question, I think you need to consider how much fallout you want to deal with after the fact. You will have to defend your actions in a court of law, and it's tricky business. If you cannot prove that you acted in precisely the amount of force necessary to the situation, you could end up going to jail. Even if you don't go to jail, the scumbag and his family can sue you in a civil court.

I hate to say it, but simply yelling "Help! Someone's being attacked! I'm calling 911!" and continuing to draw attention to the situation might be the best thing you can do for yourself and the victim.

I guess that's why so many people don't get involved.  I live in a high rise apartment.  No one would know whether or not I heard anything or not.  I'd just have to live with my conscience.  We get domestic arguments in our neighborhood fairly often, but I don't call the police until the f*** you's get loud enough.

Thanks for the advice.

This happened in my neighborhood Wednesday morning, just a half a block away:

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/135218173.html

I personally did not hear the screams, nor did my wife. If I had, I would have joined the three who went to the woman's rescue. However, since this is Hawaii, and the only people issued concealed (or open) carry are the police, I would have had to leave my trusty P220 behind. My question is, would you have done the same? What would you have taken with you if you were unable to take a firearm?  What would have happened to me had I taken my pistol?  I know what the law is.  I just want some practical advice.  BTW, I'm new to this forum and this is my first post.