Bullying
and Harassment

Harassment is any form of unwanted and unwelcome behaviour from unpleasant remarks to physical violence.

There are different forms of harassment:

• Sexual harassment – unwanted behaviour linked to your gender or sexual orientation
• Racial harassment – unwanted behaviour linked to your skin colour, race or cultural background
• Sectarian harassment – in countries with sectarian traditions (eg. Ireland) this term is used if the behaviour is linked to your religious beliefs or perceived religious origin
• Discrimination – when you are treated differently because of your gender, race or disability
• Stalking – harassment that comprises of regular following, watching, repeated unwanted contact

Many people think of bullying as something that only happens in school during childhood. The truth is bullying can occur anywhere and at any time, bullying can happen in work, online and even in your own home.

What is the difference between harassment and bullying?

Bullying differs from harassment and assault in that the latter can result from a small number of fairly serious incidents - which everybody recognises as harassment or assault - whereas bullying tends to be an accumulation of many small incidents over a long period of time. Each incident tends to be trivial, and on its own and out of context does not constitute an offence or grounds for disciplinary or grievance action.

What is considered bullying?

Bullying is generally defined as repeated behaviour used to hurt someone, either emotionally or physically.

Bullying at work can take many forms. It may be that the bully excludes you; they might give you unacceptable criticisms, or even overload you with so much work that it’s impossible to complete. This kind of behaviour can make you feel demotivated and depressed over time. Often the bully will recognise that you have talent or strength and feel threatened by it. By belittling you they are often trying to make themselves ‘look’ better to management and co-workers.

This form of bullying is becoming increasingly common. Cyberbullying refers to any bullying that takes place via your phone or the internet. Some common forms of cyberbullying include:

• Social networks
• Instant messaging apps
• Online gaming
• Text messaging and phone calls
• Sexting
• Hacking into your computer or social networks

If you are being bullied online

Unfortunately, cyberbullying is widespread with most young people experiencing it or seeing it first-hand. If you find yourself the victim of online bullying there are steps you can take. First of all, block them and report them to the social network they are using. Social networks are getting much better at discouraging bully behaviour. Most should have a function where you can report and block other users. Next, save any abusive comments you get to use as evidence. You can show these to an adult or even take legal action.

For more information and advice take our e-learning course on Cyberbullying

Bullying that takes place in a relationship is often classed as domestic abuse. This can happen in any type of relationship, either romantic or family orientated. Often, bullying in relationships occurs in the following ways:

• Harassment
• Giving them more time to complete a task or respond to you
• Physical
• Threatening
• Controlling
• Sexual abuse

If you are being bullied in your relationship

Over time it can be easy to tolerate emotional bullying in a relationship, thinking it’s just ‘the way they are’. In truth, this form of bullying will erode your self-confidence and make you increasingly anxious. Recognising that the way your partner is making you feel is not acceptable is the first step. Once you have identified this you can either talk to them directly about their behaviour or seek help outside. In the case of domestic violence and sexual abuse, going to see a professional who can help you is essential. There are lots of organisations that offer support to help you get yourself out of that situation.

Bullying tends to happen to those who are vulnerable, and sadly one of the most vulnerable groups in society is the elderly. Often they are unable to speak up about the bullying, so it is important to look out for the signs:

• Acting more aggressive than usual
• Become withdrawn
• Sudden changes in their disposition
• They don’t want to be left alone with certain people
• Overcompensating by being overtly light-hearted

Keep an eye out for these signs as in some cases bullying can turn into physical abuse. If you know an elderly person being bullied, you can call a confidential helpline called Action on Elder Abuse 0808 808 8141

How to stop bullying. The quickest and easiest way to stop bullying is by telling someone. Asking for help is an essential first step. If you don’t feel you have any friends and family to talk to then reach out to a professional – a teacher, an employer, or call a helpline or even join an online support group.

You have a right to feel safe at school, at work, at home and in your relationship