BULLYING & ABUSE

Everyone has the right to live, work, study and play in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. It is very common and can happen to anyone. When somebody does something (or fails to do something) which results in notable harm to another person it is called abuse. Bullying and abuse can occur in many different ways including:

·        Verbal: name calling, teasing, taunting, insults, and verbal threats.

·        Physical: hitting, kicking, throwing things at someone or spitting.

·        Social/Emotional: deliberately ignoring or leaving someone out, putting someone down, blackmailing or forcing someone to do something against their will.

·        Sexual assault: any unwanted sexual contact. It is not just about physical violence. Using fear or threats to make someone do things that they do not want to do is an assault.  Bullying or abusing someone because of their sexuality or sexual orientation.

·        Cyber/E-Bullying: Using mobile phones or the internet to hack someone’s social media account to post offensive images, spread rumours or send abusive messages; internet stalking; ‘hating’ on social media sites.

Nobody has the right to hurt you physically or emotionally even if they are in a position of authority or they say they love you.  Always refuse to accept abuse and remember that SECRECY is an abusers best weapon, so NEVER KEEP IT A SECRET and HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE.  The most important thing is to tell somebody you trust, this could be a family member, a teacher

If you suspect someone is being bullied - Speak Out, Don’t Be a Bystander.

Further Information

·        Childline www.childline.ie Helpline 1800 66 66 66  Text TALK to 50101

·        My Life Solutions - empowering children to stand up to bullying  www.mylifesolutions.ie  086 893 8021

·        Parentline www.parentline.ie  1890 927 277

·        TUSLA- Child Protection Agency www.tusla.ie  01 771 8500

·        Rape Crisis Help www.rapecrisis.ie  24 hour Helpline 1800  778 888

·        COSC The National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence www.cosc.ie

·        CARI Children at Risk in Ireland - Support email helpline@cari.ie

Helpline 1890 92 4567

·        ReachOut Youth Mental Health.  Bullying and personal safety www.reachout.com

·        Connect Professional Telephone Counselling & Support www.connectcounselling.ie 1800 477 477

·        Internet Safety www.internetsafety.ie  www.watchyourspace.ie  www.webwise.ie

Amen support for male victims of violence
www.amen.ie

·        Lions Club  www.lionsclubs.ie Information leaflet on Bullying