Question 1

How many witnesses actually saw Kitty Genovese get murdered?

Accepted Answer

There were not 38 witnesses to the murder. Research found perhaps a half-dozen people saw portions of the attack through curtains or darkness from upper floors. The killing occurred in two separate attacks roughly 30 minutes apart, with the second happening in a vestibule out of sight of most neighbors.

Question 2

Is the bystander effect proven by real-world evidence?

Accepted Answer

Recent CCTV research contradicts classical bystander effect theory. A study of 219 real public conflicts found that in 91 percent of incidents, at least one bystander intervened. More bystanders actually increased the likelihood of help, not decreased it.

Question 3

Did anyone help Kitty Genovese when she was attacked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sophia Farrar, a neighbor and friend, held Kitty Genovese in her arms in the vestibule until the ambulance arrived. At least two neighbors also called the police. Genovese died on the way to the hospital, not abandoned as the original account suggested.

journalism

All essays in .

The Murder That Wasn't Watched