Bullying and abuse
If you are a victim of abuse or bullying, read this. It will give you some skills to confront bullies and help you get over the abuse which has happened to you.
Did you know that bullies are people who deep down inside feel weak and non-confident? They pick on people younger, smaller or weaker than themselves to feel big and strong.
But it isn't okay for them to take their feelings out on you.
I'll let you into a little secret, bullies hate to be found out; they only hit on people who can't defend themselves. But if you tell someone, you become a person who can defend yourself.
If you tell your teacher or parents, they will be able to help you. Don't be afraid or embarrassed about telling, because being bullied is very common.
If you have been abused, you are likely to be angry and full of rage, or you may feel sad and hopeless about what's happened. However you feel, time and crying and getting angry will help you to feel better.
Better that you cry or get angry with someone helping you though, otherwise the aloneness feels worse when you do these things on your own. That's why we really encourage you to talk with someone who cares.
Members of your family may be the best people to talk with, but if you don't feel safe, for some reason, then it's really important you tell your story to someone else you trust who will listen and help you. One day you will be able to look back on this terrible time and it will feel like a fuzzy memory.
