Bullying
If you're being bullied, you might feel scared, helpless and very alone but there are many organisations you can turn to for help, support and advice.
Lots of people are bullied at some time in their lives. Bullying may take place at home, at school, or at work. For advice and support, please see the relevant section below.
Bullying at school
You don't have to be physically beaten up or hurt to be a victim of bullying. Teasing, being threatened and name calling can all be classed as forms of bullying.
There are lots of reasons why people are bullied. Some people are picked on because of their religion or race, whilst others are chosen because of their weight, the clothes they wear or because they're clever - things that no-one should be ashamed of.
If you're being bullied, you don't have to put up with it and there are many people that can help you do something about it.
Visit the Lancashire Police website for bullying advice.
Please also see the bullying at school section of the DirectGov website for further information and help.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is when one person or a group of people aim to threaten, tease or embarrass someone else by using a mobile phone, the internet or other technologies.
Those who take part in online bullying often use a group of friends to target their victims by asking them to add a comment to a photo on a blog, or asking them to forward it onto another group of friends. Sometimes, these people don’t even realise they’re actually bullying someone.
For further information and support, please see the government website Cyberbullying - Laugh and you're part of it.
Bullying in the workplace
Bullying at work is when someone tries to intimidate another worker, often in front of colleagues. It is usually, though not always, done to someone in a less senior position. It is similar to harassment, which is where someone's behaviour is offensive. For example, making sexual comments, or abusing someone's race, religion or sexual orientation.
You cannot make a legal claim directly about bullying, but complaints can be made under laws covering discrimination and harassment. If you are forced to resign due to bullying you can make a constructive dismissal claim.
Please see the bullying in the workplace section of the DirectGov website for further information and help.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse is a 'hidden crime', a crime that occurs behind closed doors when often there are no witnesses. It is also a personal crime, one which people who experience it, are often reluctant to confide in others including family and friends.
For information and help, please see our Community Safety Partnership page on Domestic Abuse.