Bullying affects children and adults at home, school, work and online, making victims feel trapped, isolated and alone. If you’ve ever been the victim of bullying, you need not suffer in silence. There are 5 helplines in New Zealand where you can get the support and understanding you deserve. These are some common experiences of people being bullied:

You have been socially isolated and made to feel different, ashamed and alone.
Your possessions have purposely been damaged or taken by others on a regular basis.
Someone has repeatedly made inappropriate or discriminatory comments about you.
You have been taunted, teased, threatened or harmed by others.
One or more people has repeatedly called you names and teased or humiliated you.
Your personal items have repeatedly been damaged or taken by others on purpose.
You have been threatened or physically tripped, pushed, hit, kicked or spat at by someone.
Others have openly excluded you from social groups or activities.

Bullying takes many forms, but it always leaves victims feeling lonely, humiliated and weak. Remember, bullies try to boost their power at the expense of others. Bullying is selfish, and never deserved by the victim. Although you feel alone, there are people you can trust and turn to for support.

The victims of bullying come from all walks of life, from every school, playground, workplace and online platform. You may be sceptical about whether helpline support in New Zealand will work for you, especially if you have been treated badly in the past. The good news is that helpline staff are well-trained to help people with experiences like yours.