Verbal Self Defense Tactics

A recent article about four Vancouver teens who are facing charges for allegedly retaliating against a bully has been published in papers across the country:

Times Colonist /National Post /Dose.ca /Global /Canada.com /Calgary Herald /The Vancouver Sun

I need to say, it’s my opinion that this is simply one more prime example of the hypocrisy of our justice system. As a verbal self defense instructor, and the author of a recently published book about overcoming workplace bullying, I think someone needs to point out where the real responsibility should be put in this case — our education and legal systems!

The injuries suffered by the bully will heal; however, the mental and emotional suffering the bully inflicted on his victims will have negative effects for decades to come. Yet, it shows just how apathetic we are when we do nothing until someone gets physically injured.

The fact is, a bully knows “the system” and knows exactly how to hurt people in a way that leaves teachers and parents unable and/or unwilling to act. Only when someone is hurt in a way measurable by a physician do we, as a community, give the story attention and step in to file charges. By those standards, the four teens were just inexperienced at bullying — had they left no physical signs then the police, school and parents would have remained indifferent.

The real problem is, an officer, teacher or parent who takes action that can’t be absolutely justified, they’ll face consequences from a review board or, worse, criminal charges. To protect themselves they avoid getting involved when someone says they’re being bullied without any physical proof … people in charge must face the consequences of their actions; but bullies do not.

If the people in authority who should have addressed the problem in the beginning were held responsible for the current circumstance, then it’d have been dealt with when the four teens were first seeking a solution. That would’ve also meant the teens now facing further suffering for Standing Up to a bully could have avoided the extensive mental and emotional injuries that made them think this was their only recourse.

(It’s ironically interesting to note that Friday, November 20^th is International STAND UP to Bullying Day — www.StandUpDay.com)

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