Bullying is described as repeated behaviour that is intended to hurt another person emotionally, physically and mentally.

Bullying and harassment means any unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated, degraded, humiliated or offended and is not necessarily always obvious or apparent to others.

Bullying comes in many forms but will generally be physical (not necessarily only through violent acts but could be pushing, etc); oral, by saying things that cause humiliation or embarrassment; and through digital means, such as posting offending or degrading messages on social media.

Bullying may cause you to experience:

  • Shock
  • Fear
  • Feeling unsafe
  • Flashbacks to the incident
  • Nightmares
  • A sense of being overwhelmed
  • Anger
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Humiliation
  • Financial loss

Being confronted by bullying behaviour, is an awful experience for anyone. How you react will depend on many different factors – not just the crime, but things about you as a person and how you cope with difficult events in your life.

Everyone will respond differently, but it’s important to remember that all of these reactions are normal, and this is not your fault. Only the perpetrator is to blame for their behaviour.

Crime can impact you in many ways – emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and practically. That’s why Victim Support Scotland is here to help.

Our support workers and volunteers are available to you in person, over the phone and in the courts throughout Scotland. We support you no matter who you are, and no matter what the crime.

The criminal justice system can be confusing, and we can provide you with practical advice and information to make this process easier. We promise you:

  • We will take the time to listen to you
  • We won’t judge you
  • We will provide you with support in whatever way best suits you
  • We will explain your rights in a way you can understand

Our trained and experienced volunteers deliver support throughout Scotland. There is a Victim Support office in every local authority area and we can support you going to court or in your own community (at home or in our offices).

You can access our services regardless of whether you have reported the crime or not to the police. Our services are free, independent and confidential.*

*We will only alert someone else if we feel you are at risk to yourself or to others.