The definition of bullying is when someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort.
It is ongoing, repeated and targeted.
There is no question that the behaviours exhibited by this nameless person are bullying behaviours.
As members of the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group we know that experiencing bullying has been shown to cause feelings of rejection, exclusion and isolation.
Bullying increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety and low self-esteem and may also increase the risk of people developing substance use disorders.
We call on our whole community to condemn this behaviour for what it is.
Our group aims to work collaboratively across the community with many diverse organisations.
David and Janette have always been open to work with us, and we continue to learn a great deal from their teachings and reconciliatory actions.
It’s time we stop the bullying divide and vilification that plays out in this community on so many levels.
We may not all agree on every issue but there are ways to deal with these disagreements constructively without resorting to bullying behaviours.
Perhaps this could start with really listening?
Yours sincerely
Alison Thorne
Acting Chairperson
Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group