Bullyonline. Resource and Internet Support Group

Bullyonline – Resource and Internet Support Group From a British Perspective. By ABC

Bullyonline is the first anti-bullying Internet support group that I came across. They are also the largest information resource on work place bullying in the world. It was this web site that gave me the first glimmer of insight and hope about 5 years ago. Validation and empowerment is the mission of “The Field Foundation” located in the United Kingdom. Their beloved founder, Tim Field, is a pioneer in the fight against work place bullying. Their information site is one that I will never stop reading. With more studies on the phenomena, the information on this site grows and changes as information becomes available.  Here is the link to their information site;

Site is at http://www.bullyoffline.org

Being located in the United Kingdom, most members of their Internet support group live there. Discussion often pertains to how bullying is addressed by that country’s legal system. As the legal system in the United States doesn’t address bullying at all, this information does not pertain to those of us who live in the USA. It’s interesting to read however, like a sneak preview, of the kinds of problems and barriers anti-bullying activist will be faced with, as we work towards our own anti-bullying legislation. Surprisingly, at least to me, is their stories of the kinds of difficulties posters of this group have, obtaining justice, despite the existence of anti-bullying laws. Another thing that is interesting about this group is their perception of “emotional injury” which is quite different in the USA. Emotional injury sustained on the job, is considered as serious and painful, as a physical injury. They refer to “stress breakdowns”, which are grounds for immediate removal from the bully, for emergency evaluation and treatment. “Stress breakdowns” on the job are then followed by extended periods of paid leave from the job with an expectation that the employer has a “duty of care” to provide for a “safe environment” upon the employee’s return. If the employer is not willing or able to eliminate the bully, or otherwise separate the target from the bully, then the employer considers “constructive dismissal” of the target, with benefits and monetary compensation.

This perspective of the affect of emotional abuse is quite different here in the US. After one of my first emotional assaults by my current bully, I couldn’t stop crying. The only “care” I received, was being told by a Human Resource rep. to “go outside and take a walk”. I couldn’t even form words to respond to her. I just walked back to my desk in a daze.

So click on the link below to join bullyonline. Thank you bullyonline members for your support and perspective. Sincerely, ABC

Click to join bullyonline