Bullying is an age old form of abuse that has that has flourished from the beginning of time. The strong prey on the weak. It has common characteristics of intimidation, violence and fear. Addressing it requires a specialized approach.
Bullying involves persistent threats, physical or verbal aggressive behavior, and it may come from an individual or group towards another person. It’s a deliberate and repeated attempt to cause distress, fear, or harm to another.
Identifiable Victim Markers (IVMs):
• Anxiety: Victims of bullying often experience heightened levels of anxiety, as they may constantly fear when the next incident might occur.
• Avoidance: The victim may avoid situations, places, or people that are associated with the bullying to minimize exposure to potential harm.
• Detachment: The detachment from others can be a coping mechanism to protect oneself from further emotional injury. This can lead to isolation and a feeling of loneliness.
• Dissociation: A more severe psychological response, dissociation might occur when a victim disconnects from the present moment as a way to mentally escape the situation. It can manifest as a detachment from reality or oneself.
• Self-criticism: Bullying often leads to a decrease in self-esteem and an increase in self-criticism. The victim may start to internalize the negative messages and believe that they are at fault.
• Self-doubt: Continuous bullying can instill a sense of self-doubt, making the victim question their abilities, appearance, or worth.
