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The Five W's of Peer Abuse

Submitted by Elizabeth Bennett on Sat, 02/21/2009

Bullying has always been a problem in society. As everyone
has grown up, we have learned it to be a right of passage or
a part of growing up. However, in recent years, we have been
learning of the dangers of bullying. Everyday, children are
killing other children or they are committing bullycide
which is suicide as we know it. What people have yet to
learn is that bullying is a form of abuse and that is Peer
Abuse. Like any other form of abuse, this leaves scars on
it's victims that can take years to overcome. Problems
develop within the victim such as clinical depression,
social anxiety and PTSD. As for bullies, they grow up to
develop disorders such as narcissistic and anti-social
personality disorders which include the psychopath and
sociopath. Also, many wind up within the prison system as
adults.

So, how would one define Peer Abuse? I have broken the
definition down into the 5 W's which helps to define all
aspects of this.

The 5 W's of Peer Abuse
What is Peer Abuse? Peer Abuse can be defined as one who
brings mistreatment, insult or deception in excessive
amounts to another individual of the same peer group. This
is done physically, mentally, emotionally or sexually.

Who are the victims? Those who are experiencing excessive
amount of physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse from
someone of their peer group. These occurs in children and
adults and adults who suffer from clinical issues due to
experiencing the abuse during their childhoods.

Where does Peer Abuse generally occur? This occurs in the
schools, workplace, in writing, over the phone and on the
Internet

When does this occur? This can occur at any time or any
place that interaction takes place between individuals of
the same peer group.

Why does Peer Abuse occur? The bully is experiencing some
abuse elsewhere their lives and they bring their anger and
what they know on to those who may have differences or what
the bully perceives to be different. Or, the victim is
someone who is basically different from the "norm" in his
environment.

If you are being abused by your peers or you see any of this
occurring, please let someone know. Peer Abuse is an adult
problem because as adults, we allow it to continue and grow
worse. Children should be able to come to adults and feel
safe. Adults need to get educated on this so they can
implement it into their daily lives. After all, there is a
difference in ratting someone out and reporting what should
be considered a crime.

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