Workplace bullying is against the law in Victoria and Holmesglen takes claims of bullying against and between students very seriously.
The national definition of bullying for Australian schools is: “…an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.
It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.”
There are three main elements to bullying:
- A misuse of power in a relationship
- Ongoing or repetitive behaviour
- Behaviour that can causes harm in some way
Bullying can take on many forms including:
- Physical – examples include hitting, pushing, shoving
- Verbal / Written – examples include name calling or making insulting remarks
- Social – examples include deliberate exclusion of a person, spreading rumours
- Cyberbullying – any form of bullying that occurs online.
- Racist bullying – when someone is belittled, mocked or intimidated due to their ethnic background, religious or cultural beliefs.
- Homophobic and transphobic bullying – bullying based on a person’s sexuality or gender expression.
If you are feeling bullied
Head to the Student Wellbeing office on your campus and ask to see a student counsellor. You can call them on 9564 1649 and let the receptionist know if you feel the situation is urgent
You can also make a complaint through Holmesglen's Complaints and Appeals process.