Bullying

Definition of Bullying

Bullying can be defined as deliberately hurtful behavior that is repeated over a period of time. Bullying happens when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose and the person being bullied has a hard time defending him or herself. Sometimes, bullying can happen through text messages, e-mail or over the phone.

Bullying can be:

1. Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names
2. Bullying through social exclusion or isolation
3. Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting
4. Bullying through lies and false rumors
5. Having money or other things taken or damaged by students who bully
6. Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully
7. Racial bullying
8. Sexual bullying
9. Cyber bullying (via cell phone or Internet)

Bullying Statistics

• Almost 30% of youth in the United States (or over 5.7 million) are estimated to be involved in bullying as either a bully, a target of bullying, or both.
• In a recent national survey of students in grades 6-10, 13% reported bullying others, 11% reported being the target of bullies, and another 6% said that they bullied others and were bullied themselves.[ Nansel, T.R., Overpeck, M., Pilla, R.S., Ruan, W.J., Simons-Morton, B., & Scheidt, P. (2001). Bullying Behaviors Among US Youth: Prevalence and Association With Psychosocial Adjustment., 285(16), 2094-2100.]
• There appears to be a strong relationship between bullying other students and experiencing later legal and criminal problems as an adult. In one study, 60% of those characterized as bullies in grades 6-9 had at least one criminal conviction by age 24.
• While approaches that simply crack down on individual bullies are seldom effective, when there is a school-wide commitment to end bullying, it can be reduced by up to 50%. [Olweus, D. (1993). Bullying at School: What We Know and What We Can Do. Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED384 437.]

Learn more about...

The Impact of Bullying

Warning Signs of Bullying

Why Students Bully and What to do if Your Child is a Bully

REMEMBER - Bullying is unacceptable. If your child is being bullied, your child's school should have policies and procedures in place to support you. There are also organizations which can help and offer further information and advice if you need it. Contact us for help.

Hate Violence

Definition of Hate Violence

Bias-motivated or hate violence takes many forms, including verbal abuse, physical assault, repeated harassment and vandalism. This type of violence can come from a stranger, but can also come from a neighbor, landlord, school or work colleague, boss, service provider or acquaintance.

Ways You Can Stop Hate Violence

1. Refuse to be silent. Perpetrators expect it. Report every bias incident to the Colorado Anti-Violence Program at 1.888.557.4441 or e-mail info@coavp.org.
2. Be street smart. Learn how to increase your safety at home, at work, in public. Take a course in self-defense or conflict management.
3. Avoid self-blame. If you are targeted, remember that no one deserves to be abused.  Contact Tu Casa for support.
4. Watch out for each other. Safety is a community issue; no one is safe unless everyone is safe.
5. Get involved. Support local efforts to end hate violence by volunteering or contributing financially.  Contact Tu Casa to learn about ways you can get involved in your community. 

If you or someone you know is or has been a victim of a hate crime, Contact us. We are here to help.