The Victorian Government’s ‘Take a stand against bullying’ campaign has failed to garner unanimous support.
Stakeholders are at odds over a new campaign promoting awareness about bullying and Brodie’s law among more than 8,000 Victorian schools, workplaces and police stations.
Support for the campaign is not unanimous, with Victims of Crime Counselling and Compensation Services (VOCCS) Psychologist Dominic Greco labelling the campaign ‘a political stunt that achieves nothing’.
“Schools and workplaces are full of bullying – everybody knows that,” Mr Greco said, “and yet not one person’s been convicted under Brodie’s law.”
The Victorian Government is spearheading the ‘Take a stand against bullying’ campaign, with the support of Lifeline, the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) and Victoria Police.
Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark launched the campaign at Lifeline’s Melbourne offices on Wednesday, August 8th, saying his government wanted to send a clear message bullying behaviour in any environment will not be tolerated.
“All bullying is unacceptable, and serious bullying is a serious crime,” Mr Clark said.
“Everyone is entitled to be safe in our community and no one should be forced to suffer bullying.”
The campaign comes one year after new anti-bullying legislation known as Brodie’s law was passed by the Victorian Government.
Victorian Brodie Panlock took her own life in 2006, after being subjected to serious bullying in her workplace.
The Victorian Government voted to make workplace bullying a criminal offence after none of Panlock’s perpetrators received criminal sanctions.
The legislation makes serious physical, psychological, verbal and cyber bullying a crime punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
Victorian Principals Association Field Officer Terry Howard said his organisation was yet to be officially briefed on the campaign, but endorse efforts to stamp out bullying in schools.
“Schools, teachers, parents and kids need to be informed about how to prevent, understand and address bullying,” Mr Howard said.
In an August 8th media release, VECCI Chief Executive Mark Stone encouraged businesses to embrace the campaign, saying bullying should not be condoned in any workplace.
“Employers can play a valuable role in increasing awareness of the harmful effects of bullying, and the steps that can be taken to eradicate it,” Mr Stone said.
Mr Greco said discussions about bullying create confusion and frustration about events that should be understood in clear, simple criminal and legal terms.
“Let’s take this back to grass roots,” Mr Greco said, “if I hit you, if I scream at you, if I torment you, it’s not bullying – it’s assault.”
“There are over 100,000 crimes committed every year in Victoria, and Brodie’s law isn’t bringing us any closer to convicting the people responsible.”
Lifeline’s National Media and Government Relations Manager John Mendel said bullying is a major problem Lifeline’s crisis support services deal with, and the organisation is excited to be part of the campaign.
“It’s important to keep the message out there that bullying is a serious and damaging problem, and help and support is always available to those who need it,” Mr Mendel said.
Distribution of ‘Take a stand against bullying’ posters and pamphlets began immediately following the campaign launch, and will continue over the coming weeks.
