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 Massachusetts, United States 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.

These are all ways in which bullies might try to boost their status at your expense, making you feel shamed, isolated and small. Yet, bullying in no way reflects who you truly are, what you’re capable of achieving, how you actually look, or how much you are valued by others.

The victims of bullying are always innocent, and bullying is never deserved. Although you may feel trapped, alone or incapable, there are people in Massachusetts, United States who care and can provide you support. Helpline volunteers and counselors will offer you a listening ear and will work through difficult emotions with you.