In SaskCulture Respect Resource Line

It Happens to Me

 

Bullying or Harassment

Wellcast - Ways to Stop Bullying

Avoid the bully and use the buddy system.

Make sure you have someone with you so that you're not alone with the bully. Buddy up with a friend on the bus, in the hallways, or at recess — wherever the bully is. Offer to do the same for a friend.

Hold your anger.

It's natural to get upset by the bully, but that's what bullies thrive on. It makes them feel more powerful. Practice not reacting by crying or looking upset. It takes a lot of practice, but it's a useful skill for keeping off of a bully's radar. Sometimes kids find it useful to practice "cool down" strategies such as counting to 10, writing down their angry words, taking deep breaths, or walking away. Sometimes the best thing to do is to teach kids to keep their face calm until they are clear of any danger (smiling or laughing may provoke the bully).

Act brave, walk away, and ignore the bully.

Firmly and clearly tell the bully to stop, then walk away. Practice ways to ignore the hurtful remarks, like acting uninterested or texting someone on your cellphone. By ignoring the bully, you're showing that you don't care. Eventually, the bully will probably get bored with trying to bother you.

Talk about it.

Talk to someone you trust, such as a guidance counselor, teacher, parent, sibling, or friend. They may offer some helpful suggestions. Even if they can't fix the situation, it may help you feel a little less alone.  Many instructors, teachers, and/or counselors, have been trained to help stop bullying and can help solve bullying issues in a constructive way, while respecting your privacy.

Call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 to speak with a counsellor or other kids just like you.

 

Abuse

BetterHelp - 6 Signs of an Emotionally Abusive Relationship You Shouldn't Ignore

Recognize when you have been the victim of abuse.

Physical abuse is easier to see and confirm.  If another intentionally touches you in an uncomfortable way, particularly if you are injured, you may consider this abuse.

Emotional abuse is often more difficult to identify and harder to detect. It often begins gradually and increases in scale over a period of time. In the cultural sector, emotional abuse can be seen in dance or theatre, when individuals with power threaten or humiliate individuals in front of others.  Constant criticism is a form of emotional abuse.  They may use language or behavior to isolate you from the rest of your colleagues. Or in some cases, using coercion or threats

Talk to Others.

Share what has happened with a trusted confidante. Friends, parents, counselors and teachers can help you find the right support.  Understand it is not your fault.  There are supports available.

Call a Help Line.

If you are in immediate distress, call 911 for emergency support.  If you are not in immediate danger, seek help from experts.  In Saskatchewan, you can call:

Make a Safety Plan

Through your conversations, you will need to determine what you need to do to feel safe.  This could include any plans to end any forms of abuse, which will include ending a relationship, identifying a “safe” word (a code word that can be used to let another person know you are in danger) and making plans to leave a living situation, or reporting any violence or abuse.

 

Discrimination

Recognize when you have been discriminated against.

In order to claim and protect your right to be free from discrimination, it is important to understand what “discrimination” is and what is prohibited under the “Code” as discriminatory conduct. It is important to understand the “grounds” of discrimination and how it can be proven.

Protection against discrimination in this province is outlined by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. The Human Rights Code protects against any “prohibited grounds” of discrimination based on: • sexual orientation • ancestry, colour, race or perceived race • nationality • place of origin • receipt of public assistance. • Disability (mental and physical) • age (18 or more) • religion or religious creed • family status (parent-child relationship) • marital status • and or sex (including pregnancy). The Code also protects your fundamental rights to freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, and freedom of association, within legal limits.   

Speak to the organization or company about your treatment.

Sometimes organizations do not realize they are being discriminatory in their programs and services. Use this as an opportunity to let them know.  If they are aware they have the opportunity to make amends by reducing barriers and changing discriminatory practices.

Make a claim to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.

If you believe that you are being discriminated against and the organization/group is not taking responsibility, you may make a complaint within one year of the incident.  Contact the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and explain your situation to an intake consultant to begin the intake process, which involve an intake questionnaire. The intake process is an in-person process.