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
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