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 4 helplines in Slovakia where you can get the support and understanding you deserve. These are some common experiences of people being bullied:

A popular or forceful person has told others not to be friends with you.
Someone has shared private, negative, false or harmful pictures, content or rumours about you.
You have been threatened or physically tripped, pushed, hit, kicked or spat at by someone.
You have been repeatedly threatened or harmed by others.
Have you been publicly laughed at, taunted or purposely left out of groups and activities
You have repeatedly been the victim of threatening gestures or physically harassment
You have been the victim of pranks, rumours, naming and shaming online.
You have been victimised by cyber-bullies who share secrets, rumours or negative comments about you.

There are countless ways in which bullies can victimise others. Some are public and overt, while others are private and covert. Although you might feel rejected, self-conscious and afraid, you are not alone. Bullying is never a true reflection of who you are, how you look, or your life’s potential.

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 Slovakia 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.