Earlier one day mid-afternoon this week, I was on a tram in zurich. At the very back end of the tram, there was a girl in her teens. She appeared under the influence, made an absolute mess all around her with junk food and drinks, appeared to be ‘homeless’ or perhaps a ‘run away’ and was zoning in and out by laying down and trying to get some sleep. Without going into the specifics of an incident she created, possibly under the influence, it appeared to me that she was ‘lost’ and needed help.
Most other passengers simply ignored her.
Is the stadt police the best authority to contact to provide her help, in a much more humane way, as a ‘confused’ young person? ZVV have better ways of dealing with these concern? Perhaps some other organization in stadt zurich?
There are a lot of organisations that work with youth welfare departments of the city but they mostly need referrals. If the teen appeared to be a danger to herself and/or others the first port of call would probably be the police. They would get her checked then have a link with these organisations.
Could just have been a one off, though. We’ve all been a pissed-up hot mess on public transport at one time or another. Especially during that student period.
To me, she did not appear to a pissed-up hot mess or similar on public transport.
I have seen party revelers on public transport at all times of the day. Heck, I was one of those, once or twice.
She had a full backpack, was reasonably dressed without much skin showing, with visible body piercings, and to me, did not look european or caucasian.
She was also reasonably ‘well behaved’ after the incident (likely caused by her ‘inebriation’). Her facial expressions presented herself being honestly apologetic.
I’d just call the police. It sounds harsh but it is not. They’ll just keep her in check until she’s back.
There’s a “contact point” in the Kaserneareal (south of Zürich HB). As part of the harm reduction policies, it’s a safe space for consumption and there’s support available for anyone that wants to sober up.
my mind was pre-occupied over my upcoming appointment that day. only after a day or two did the event come back to mind, and hence my post on this forum.
I’ve been to transa and 2nd peak (outdoor toys shops) and it’s not uncommon to see a few zombies around. I don’t feel unsafe at all. Anyway, I’d never live in the area.
Fortunately before my time,Platzspitz was apparently pretty insane …junkie city. Impressive how Switzerland handled the problem. Still an issue, but nothing like back then.
vm for the reply.