Compensation for the victims of bullying?

The media reported this week that a former chief judge of Australia's family court recommends that the victim of bullying should be able to sue the parent's of the bully for compensation.

The trauma associated with bullying and the long term effect on the victim could certainly warrant seeking compensation but we feel it would do little to overcome the problem of bullying. Our Court system is already overloaded and feel the only winners would the compensation lawyers.

Why do we keep trying to treat the "effect" and not the "cause"?

It is the bully that must be held accountable and while we agree with the idea that parents must be responsible for their child's actions, seeking compensation would place enormous financial hardship on the parents being sued. Parents may have to sell their home to pay the compensation or face possible Bankruptcy.

Bullying is not about "money", it is about "behaviour". It is about the Bully being personally responsible and accountable for their actions. Giving back to society in the way of community service work may prove more "humbling" for the Bully!

Cheers

Lyn and Vicki

"Crossing Boundaries"

How many of us are crossing boundaries into other people’s lives? How much conflict is this creating in our world? How many times do we think we know what is best for another person even if we can’t get it right for ourselves?  We offer suggestions, advice and will often demand that we are listened to.  Why do many of us expect that person to follow our advice and then get upset if they don’t? Do we have a right to instruct another on how to “fix” their life?

This is where RESPECT for others becomes important in all our relationships whether it is in our marriages, parenting, friendships or the workplace.  We sometimes think we know what is best for another. We often fail to ask that person what it is they actually want to do. It is important to know that we cannot change others or believe our view of things is right for another. We can only change ourselves. 

If someone has a problem and they want to talk about it, then simply listen to them and try not to offer solutions. Our answers are not necessarily someone else’s and if you listen carefully to what that person is saying you may find they already have their own answers to their problem.

Cheers

Lyn and Vicki