Bullying
Jersey has obligations under a number of international treaties and covenants to ensure the protection of the island’s population from discriminatory and bullying behaviour. The Jersey Community Relations Trust is committed indentifying cause and issue of discriminatory behaviour.
Bullying and discrimination are inextricably linked. Influencing change sounds easy but changing the status quo requires an enormous effort and understanding by victim and perpetrator. Often bullying is a cry for help - the bully is in need of help and understanding as much as the victim. In helping the bully understand the distress caused to the victim and the victim to understand what triggers bullying we can begin the address the issues.
Discrimination, bullying and harassment: are fuelled by aggression, prejudice and fear or lack of respect for people from different social backgrounds. The ‘victim’ is subjected to psychological or physical abuse – or both.
Homophobia ( an intense hatred of homosexuals ) is inflamed by ignorance and misunderstanding of the issues associated with sexual orientation. Gay men and lesbians are seen as easy targets, ‘ gay bashing’ is an extremely nasty and frightening aspect of bullying and takes place on our streets more than members of the general public would believe.
Sexual Harassment:
Is the unwelcome attention of a sexual nature which can range from indirect innuendo to actual sexual abuse and in extreme cases sexual assault. Sexual harassment is usually directed at women in the workplace. Women should report inappropriate behaviour to their employer. Employers are responsible for the prevention of harassment and misbehaviour during working hours so it is in everyone's interest to make very clear to all employees that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Bullying is not restricted to children or the school playground. The horror of bullying knows no barriers. Primary school – secondary school – workplace - care home – deserted streets, anyone anywhere can be targeted - anyone can be a victim. Bullying is intimidation and oppression by physical or psychological threat and the mental distress caused can result in low self-esteem, mental breakdown, self-harm and in extreme cases – suicide.
Technology has provided 'the bully' with additional tools of psychological abuse – cyber bullying.
In a perfect society people would be accepted for the type of person they are - not judged on social status, religion, colour or sexual orientation.
The acceptance of difference is the key to a harmonious community.
Update
The effect of discrimination has an impact on the entire population and requires a co-ordinated approach. JCRT’s initiative to reduce levels of bullying and discrimination will commence in 2010 with a data gathering exercise. The JCRT have been working with local psycholgists with expertise in this area and it was decided that a strategy could not be put in place until the level of bullying on the island is established. There is much data in relation to bullying within education but not within the workplace or in residential / care homes. The Trust is working with the statistics department as well as compiling its own survey to be launched during 2010. Once the results of this have been compiled a strategy to tackle the issues will be established.
Contact Us
Tel: 07797 817950
info@jerseycommunityrelations.org
Jersey Community Relations Trust
PO Box 50
St. Helier
JE4 8PA
JCRT Believes in the elimination of discrimination and equality for all