There is no greater shame to how blasé our society has become. There are so many people who have become so overexposed by negative influences — that it is no longer uncommon when you are faced with a difficult situation.
There are more and more families who are dealing with such raw and powerful emotions. The challenges they must face become a test, a roller-coaster of highs and lows that they must overcome.
Some families come out of the situation stronger, by supporting their child and opening conversations as a stronger family unit. Unfortunately, some families are unable to properly deal with the situation. Even more unfortunately, some families face a tragic loss.
Can you imagine being a parent, whose child is so victimized that they consider taking their own life? Can you imagine being a parent, whose child is the bully, and your first response is to blame to victim?
Can you imagine being a youth in today’s world when there is nowhere to be safe from the bullies? With the availability of almost soulless technology, anyone can attack you in the school, in the streets, even in your own home.
The victim is attacked with quick little jabs at their soul, aimed at making them doubt. Those words are not limited to verbal abuse either, as technology allows for a more indirect form of abuse through text messaging. You can be attacked by those texts at any time, at any hour. You feel powerless to do anything.
There is a growing issue in our community, and we are slowly losing the battle against those that bully. It is becoming harder and harder to monitor the technology that makes it so easy to victimize others. Thus, there are more and more victims who feel they are alone and have no one to turn to.
It also becomes difficult for the victim to come forward with their situation, when they feel marginalize or when victim-blaming occurs. Victim-blaming attitudes reinforce what the abuser has been saying all along; that it is the victim’s fault this is happening.
It is time for us to wake up and face the unpleasant reality that is right in our neighbourhood. That there are victims who need a voice to speak for them.
For those who are feeling lost, I truly hope they understand that there are places to turn to. There are a few places where they can turn, and by doing so keep their identity unknown. There are services such as Victim Services through the Weyburn Police Service and the Envision Counselling and Support Centre.
There are those who are trained to handle crisis intervention, and who have access to services and counselling for those in need.
Also recently announced is a new Peer Support Pilot Project that will be offered at the Weyburn branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. The goal of this project is to enhance the lives of those who are working through their own recovery as a victim.
It is becoming more and more important to find ways to support those who are the victims. To be their voice when they feel unable to speak. To be their strength when they feel unable to feel.
