VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT | НТЛД 116 111

Violence and forms of violence

Violence is one of the topics that we all avoid because it raises a lot of questions, fears and in general we don't want to think about things that threaten us in any way. Unfortunately, every year hundreds of children suffer from various forms of violence, which often remain hidden because they are not talked about enough.

Mental abuse

Mental abuse is one of the most common forms, and very often it is not even perceived as violence. It is expressed in verbal threats, insults, unfounded criticism, words that harm personal dignity, malicious manipulations and other verbal actions that cause feelings of fear, guilt, shame, loneliness, powerlessness. Very often, mental violence remains unrecognized by the surrounding people, because it does not leave physical scars or other material and visible consequences, but only leaves an imprint on the inner world of the victim.

Physical violence

Physical violence is perhaps the most recognizable form of violence, but that does not make it any less disturbing and often elements of it are perceived as the norm of behavior and attitude. This is violence that aims to physically injure the victim, through blows with a hand or objects, kicks, plucking, pinching, restricting the physical freedom of the body and other actions that threaten in some way way the integrity of the body, leave visible scars and short-term traces and cause feelings of pain, fear, bitterness, shame, helplessness, anger.

Sexual violence

Sexual violence is the worst form of aggression against someone.

Any form of sexual violence is a crime under the law!

This is when someone familiar or unfamiliar, adult or peer:

• Makes sexual innuendos, comments and nicknames that make us feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, anxious and afraid.

• Insists you to view and/or record pornographic pictures and movies.

• Seeks physical intimacy that makes you feel anxious, pressured, embarrassed, confused.

• When he touches you or demands that you touch him on parts of the body that you find intimate and this causes feelings of panic, fear, disgust, guilt, shame, confusion.

• When someone, against your will and regardless of your resistance, insists and takes actions towards intimate touching, rubbing and penetration with parts of the body or other objects, towards your private genitals and other parts of your body.

Very often, victims of sexual violence, due to the great shock and horror of what they experienced, experience sudden behavioral changes, expressed in sudden closure, refusal to communicate, it seems to us that the person is wandering in his thoughts, does not see us, does not hear us. Often the clothing is replaced with looser and looser clothes to cover the body or is replaced with very skimpy, provocative clothing (it is important to note that clothing in itself is not a symptom that someone is injured. A factor is when the change is sudden "overnight" and there is no explanation or reason for it). It is possible to observe risky actions, such as sudden systemic use of alcohol, cigarettes or other psychoactive substances, as well as self-harm, running away from school or home, provocative attitude towards others, deviant manifestations. Whatever the change, it is in response to something that happened and left a strong emotional imprint that the victim has difficulty dealing with.

School bullying

School bullying is a specific type of violence that is characterized by the fact that it takes place between children, usually in the presence of other peers and in the absence of adults. It is expressed in actions aimed at physically harming, insulting, intimidating, belittling or humiliating a child or group of children. You must be wondering why some kids bully? The reasons can be different – to feel strong, to stand out from others or because they themselves have been bullied. Whatever the reason, if someone is bullying you, it is serious and can have severe consequences on your self-esteem, provoke aggression in you or push you into depression and social isolation. The first and most important rule is not to return insults. Instead, ignore the behavior and avoid contact with those who bully you. Also ask your friends not to pay attention to rudeness and move in a group. When you are in a bullying situation, control your emotions. Try to keep your face expressionless - don't show fear, anger or resentment - just turn the other way and walk past the person who is harassing you. Go somewhere where there are other people, preferably adults. Don't be alone!

Are you wondering why? This is exactly what the aggressors aim for - to provoke you. If you lose control, you are fueling their behavior and it will most likely continue and even escalate. When you show that their methods don't work, they'll lose interest and find another victim. If the bullying still continues, don't try to deal with it on your own. Your teachers, parents, close friends – everyone needs to know what's going on. Share with them without shame or fear that it might make the situation worse. They are the ones who can help and stop bullying both you and possibly other peers.

Online harassment or violence

Online harassment or violence. Cyberbullying is characterized by the fact that it takes place in a digital environment - social networks, gaming platforms, messaging platforms and mobile phones. It is expressed in posting and sending offensive, threatening or mocking text messages, photos or recordings, spreading false information, identity theft, etc. with the aim of intimidating, humiliating and damaging the dignity of the child who is a victim of this type of violence or harassment. To help yourself, show the bullies that their behavior is unacceptable. Block them and file a formal report with the platform where the harassment is happening. It is necessary to gather evidence - take screenshots of the posts, messages or photos that concern you. Remember that everyone deserves respect both in real life and online – pay attention to how you treat others when you communicate online.

Trafficking people

Human trafficking is an organized criminal activity that is the modern form of slavery. Usually, children and adults who find themselves in traffic situations are misled by the dream of for a better life, more opportunities, they are involved through love relationships, and sometimes this even happens through acquaintances, loved ones and relatives. Human trafficking can be for the purpose of sexual or labor abuse. In the case of labor abuse, various forms of begging are observed, also illegal work, where the pay is many times less than what is due under legally-regulated labor relations, as well as the working conditions may not meet the previously agreed and create risks for health situations. In the case of trafficking for the purpose of sexual abuse, both the trafficker and the one who pays for sexual services are criminals before the law! These are all forms of sexual solicitation, pornographic material and services through which traffickers make money at the expense of their victims, who are drawn into the activity against their will.

If you recognize yourself or someone you know in any of the listed situations or experiences, seek help! Don't delay! To stop the violence you need help. Contact a trusted adult, school psychologist, social worker or other professional immediately.

IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CONTACT THE POLICE DIRECTLY AT 112.

Contact the NATIONAL TELEPHONE LINE FOR CHILDREN by dialing 116 111. Don't delay! We will listen and support you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

You can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline 0800 20 100!