1. What exactly is bullying?
Prolonged hostile, systematic actions. It doesn’t matter if they come from one or more people. Bullying is often detected and reported too late – often only when the victims are in poor health.
2. How is bullying understood?
According to Heinz Leymann, a Swedish psychologist considered the world’s leading bullying expert, bullies attack on different levels:
- At the communication level: Conversations are interrupted, the victim does not have a chance to speak, he is shouted at, his opinion is not asked.
- At the social level: The victim is treated with air, not welcomed, isolated or relocated.
- At the level of competence: The victim receives hurtful criticism for his work, is distracted by meaningless activities, is questioned less or more than necessary.
- On a physical and mental level: The victim is beaten, sexually abused or bullied. His origin and private life are the target of derogatory remarks.
3. What are the results?
Psychosomatic disorders such as headaches and digestive problems occur. But sleep disorders, depression, concentration problems, and anxiety can also result from bullying.
4. What can I do about it?
Take action now! The longer you wait, the more courage it takes to defend yourself against attacks. Write down what you don’t like in their behavior to your opponent. This will help prove bullying later on. Contact your employer: Due to its duty of care, it must protect its employees from bullying. Unions, professional associations, and bullying advice also help.
5. How do I know I am not imagining bullying?
On the bullying advice’s home page, you’ll find a detailed quiz showing typical bullying actions. If you experience one or more of the listed actions and at least once a week for a long time, you may be a victim of bullying.
6. How can I collect evidence?
You should start keeping a diary as soon as you feel bullied. Write down all the details of what was done against you: You will not be able to speak at the meeting. Your work is criticized. You get threats from the boss. People talk about you or spread rumors about you. You have to do work outside of your field of activity. But also take note of seemingly insignificant events. Gather evidence of possible bullying: emails, anonymous messages or logs. And communicate with your bullies in writing first.
7. Can I take legal action?
It is difficult to initiate legal action against bullying in Switzerland. Because the word bullying is not included in any legal article. Plaintiffs can rely on the employer’s duty of care in article 328 of the Code of Obligations. Article 6 of the Labor Law (protection of the employee’s health) can also be mentioned. Unfortunately, there is often not enough evidence for a case. Therefore, going to court is generally not recommended.