Your March 18 letter regarding your mother's nine-year ongoing workplace harassment is profound.
Unless men and women alike speak up, harassment will unfortunately continue on in our society until we all utilize the right to speak up and defend ourselves against harm that is avoidable by the one dishing it out. Yes, this takes courage.
Bullying is rampant in society a the present time. It has infiltrated all systems, workplace scenarios, the family home setting and yes, the school setting from the top down.
Let's keep in mind that bullying or harassment is chosen behavior. Therefore, more appropriate behavior that is not harassing can also be chosen.
I believe your mother's human rights have been severely violated. You can contact the Human Rights Commission online, to request assistance with your mother's case. If people in charge at school levels do not clearly see the difference between consequences and punishment, we know we are in deep trouble with harassment behaviors everywhere else in the world, too. The lines have blurred on personal responsibility for one's actions, including all adults and authority figures. Victims are labeled and punished more, when they attempt to speak up, or if they react.
Can harassment be stopped? Of course it can. Freedom of speech cannot be harming behavior, or it can become harassment. Harassment is chosen, observable behavior that can be accurately described or "named."
I believe our laws need to include specific behaviors of verbal harassment, in order to become chargeable offenses under the law. Physical abuse/harassment is law today. But physical harassment is only the tip of the iceberg.
The damage created by verbal abuse is equal to in my opinion, and perhaps even more damaging than physical assault and battery. Our physical bodies do heal. Verbal harassment can cause long term emotional/spiritual incapacity, if not confronted addressed and treated.
Everyone observing and/or experiencing harassment needs to take responsibility to confront and seek legal assistance.
With your letter, I sincerely hope you help your mom get action. May her healing begin now. We all have the right to safety and protection from harm. No more sweeping harassment under the carpet, particularly if management is also involved in either ignoring it or perpetuating harassment.
Moral bankruptcy does not appeal to me. We all deserve freedom from harassment. Don't pass the buck. Deal with harassment.
Sandra Nadalin, Prince George
