history: This lady at the store was yelling and hitting her toddler the other day when I was shopping.  I was appalled at what she did. This lady at the store was yelling and hitting her toddler the other day when I was shopping. I was appalled at what she did.
current: Wow, no parent should ever abuse their children like that. Did you or anyone do anything?
next: I wanted to, but didn't know what my place would be in that scenario.  It was quite maddening and off putting.  