If you are being bullied, you are not alone and there is help available. If you are considering harming yourself or another person, call 911 and report the incident immediately. Emergency services is the fastest way to get help if you need it right now. Bullying is a form of abuse. It comprises repeated acts over time that involves a real or perceived imbalance of power with the more powerful individual or group abusing those who are less powerful. The power imbalance may be social power and/or physical power. The victim of bullying is sometimes referred to as a target. Bullying ranges from simple one on one bullying to more complex bullying in which the bully may have one or more 'lieutenants' who may seem to be willing to assist the primary bully in his bullying activities. Bullying in school and the workplace is also referred to as peer abuse. Bullying consists of three basic types of abuse - emotional, verbal and physical. Emotional abuse, which can also be called psychological or mental abuse is characterized by a person subjecting or exposing another to behavior that is psychologically harmful. Examples include causing fear by intimidation, yelling, threatening physical harm to self, partner, children, family or friends, destruction of pets and property, forcing isolation from family, friends, school or work. This is not an all inclusive list. Any behavior that makes another person feel emotionally or mentally abused, is abuse. Verbal abuse is a form of abusive behavior involving the use of language. While oral communication is its most common form, verbal abuse may be expressed in the form of written word as well. Verbal abuse is a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere with a person's healthy emotional development. A single exposure to verbal assault can be enough to significantly affect a person's self-esteem, emotional well-being, and physical state. Verbal abuse is best described as an ongoing emotional environment organized by the abuser for the purposes of control. The underlying factor in the dynamic of verbal abuse is the abuser’s low regard for him or herself. The abuser attempts to place their victim in a position to believe similar things about him or herself, a form of warped projection. Physical abuse is defined as anything one person does to another that causes physical pain. This includes slapping, pinching, punching, pushing, throwing objects at another person, assaulting someone with an object or anything that brings about physical pain or discomfort to another. RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU Parents, Teachers, Counselors, Principals at your school. Don’t wait to report bullying in the school, it is vital to report these behaviors immediately. If it happens again, report it again. If possible, have a witness with you to help corroborate your story. Act Now email: actnow@seeithearitstopit.org Your email will be forwarded to the proper person to be followed up. Please include your full name, person doing the bullying, harm to you or other person, school, date and location of incident and any witnesses. Once again, report it immediately. |
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