Sexual bullying is a form of harassment or bullying that targets a person’s sexuality or sexual orientation. It can include name-calling, spreading rumors, or unwanted touching and sexual advances. Sexual bullying is a serious problem that affects many individuals, especially young people.
My first husband was a sexaholic. Under those circumstances, I’m surprised the marriage lasted 10 years. Geez, I put up with that for 10 years. I guess you could say I’ve been bullied most of my life, from childhood to even adulthood. Hell, why not add more crap on top of crap that I am dealing with nowadays. And, I just cracked the surface of being beat down most of the time.

Bullying Statistics

Here are some statistics related to sexual bullying:

In the past year, according to a survey by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, around 30% of middle and high school students reported experiencing sexual bullying.

A survey by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network found that 85% of LGBT students reported experiencing sexual harassment or bullying in school.

A study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that 13% of high school students reported experiencing sexual violence in the past year. They experienced it either through physical force or coerced sexual contact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 16% of female high school students report experiencing sexual violence by a peer.

A survey by StopBullying.gov found that 9% of students reported being bullied in person. This is due to their sexual orientation, while 15% reported being bullied online.

Characteristics Of a Bully

A bully is someone who intentionally uses their power or influence to harm or intimidate others. Here are some common characteristics of a bully:

Aggressive behavior: Bullies are often aggressive, which may manifest in physical, verbal, or emotional ways. To this end, they may use threats, name-calling, insults, or physical violence to intimidate their victims.

Lack of empathy: Bullies often lack empathy for their victims. Subsequently, they may not understand or care about the impact of their actions. They may struggle to see others’ perspectives or feelings.

Need for control: Bullies may have a need for control. Consequently, they may use bullying as a way to assert their power or dominance over others. They may also be manipulative and use others to achieve their goals.

Low self-esteem: Some bullies may have low self-esteem or self-worth. Also, they may use bullying as a way to feel better about themselves or to gain social status.

Lack of self-regulation: Some bullies may struggle with self-regulation, and may have difficulty controlling their emotions or behavior. They may lash out at others when they are feeling angry, frustrated, or insecure.

Previous trauma or abuse: In some cases, bullies may have experienced trauma or abuse themselves, which may contribute to their bullying behaviors.

Bully Words

Bullies may use a variety of words and phrases to bully someone, depending on the situation and their target. Here are some examples:

Insults and Name-Calling: This can include calling someone “stupid,” “ugly,” or other derogatory names. Usually, it’s based on their looks, intelligence, or other personal traits.

Threats: Bullies may use threats of physical violence or harm to intimidate their victims. For example, “I’m going to beat you up,” or “I’ll make sure you regret this.”

Teasing: Teasing someone repeatedly about things that they are sensitive about, such as their appearance, weight, or social status.

Exclusion: Bullies may use social exclusion as a form of bullying, deliberately leaving someone out of social activities and groups.

Rumors and Gossip: Spreading rumors and gossip about someone can be a form of bullying. Especially if it is false and leads to social ostracism.

Online Bullying: Bullies may use online platforms to harass and bully their victims. In effect, the age of social media and the internet are catalystes. They do this by using cruel comments and cyberbullying tactics.

Impact Of Bullying

The effects of sexual bullying has a negative impact on both the victim and the bully. Here are some of the impacts that bullying can have on the victim:

Psychological distress: Bullying can cause psychological distress, including feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. What’s more, this can impact the victim’s mental health and well-being both in the short and long term.

Physical health problems: Victims of bullying may experience physical health problems such as headaches, stomach pain, and sleep disturbances. This is due to the stress and anxiety caused by bullying.

Academic problems: Bullying can interfere with a victim’s ability to learn and participate in school activities. What’s more, this can lead to poor academic performance and decreased school attendance.

Social withdrawal: Victims of bullying may feel isolated and withdraw from social activities, consequently impacting their social and emotional development.

Long-term consequences: Bullying can have long-term consequences for victims. Such consequences are increased risk of mental health disorders, substance abuse, and suicide.

On the other hand, bullying can also have an impact on the bully. Here are some of the impacts that bullying can have on the bully:

Social consequences: Bullying can negatively impact a bully’s relationships with peers and adults, leading to social isolation.

School consequences: Bullying can negatively impact a bully’s academic performance, attendance, and future academic and employment opportunities.

Legal consequences: In some cases, bullying can lead to legal consequences, including criminal charges and fines.

Mental health consequences: Bullies may have mental health problems. Problems such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders due to their bully behavior.

Anti Bullying

Anti-bullying refers to a range of strategies and programs. To sum up, they are designed to prevent and address bullying behavior in schools, workplaces, and communities. The goal of anti-bullying efforts is to create safe and respectful environments. Therefore, bullying behavior is not tolerated and all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Anti-bullying strategies may include:

Education and awareness: Educating students, employees, and community members about the negative impact of bullying behavior. Such as the importance of kindness and respect, and how to recognize and report bullying.

Policies and procedures: Developing and implementing clear policies and procedures for addressing bullying behavior, including consequences for perpetrators.

Parent and community involvement: Encouraging parents and community members to get involved in anti-bullying efforts. Such as volunteering with school programs or participating in community initiatives.

Counseling and support: Providing counseling and support for victims of bullying. Also, as well as interventions and support for bullies to help them change their behavior.

Restorative justice practices: Employing restorative justice practices to address bullying behavior. They focus on repairing harm caused by the behavior and promoting accountability and growth.

Conclusion

Sexual bullying can have a significant negative impact on victims, including emotional distress, sexual shame, and trauma. My first ex-husband towards the end, would not take no for an answer. I was delving deeper into a depression. In essence, with him constantly harassing me, consequently he pushed me further into hell. Therefore, I call it hell because that’s what it felt like. He was more concerned with his “needs” than just leaving me the hell alone. He didn’t see anything wrong with his attitude. In reality, now that I depressed you, I hope you take away something from this post. If you are ever in the position I was in, please speak up. Tell the bully that this is not ok. Till next post…

Articles

-What Is Sexual Bullying?

https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/bullying/general-advice/what-is-sexual-bullying

-What Is Sexual Bullying And Why Do Kids Engage In It?

https://www.verywellfamily.com/what-is-sexual-bullying-and-why-do-kids-engage-in-it-460499

-Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying

https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/health-library/en/teens/harassment/

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”