Domestic violence to address “bullying” at program

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Each October, the Emery County Domestic Violence Coalition sponsors an educational activity in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, the coalition will highlight social aggression, otherwise known as “bullying,” as its topic. Bullying occurs when one person picks on or hurts another person again and again. The attacks may be physical or verbal in nature. All acts of bullying are harmful and cruel. The intention of bullying is to put the victim in distress some way. Bullies seek power. Kids may joke around with each other, call each other names, or engage in physical horseplay. However, these incidents are not deemed as bullying behaviors unless there is a power difference between the bully and the victim, such as size or excluding someone from joining in an activity or group. The effects of bullying can last a lifetime. It causes misery for the bully’s victims and leaves a lasting impression on those who witness repeated bullying incidents. Bullies often grow up to have trouble in relationships and at work. Victims may have feelings of shame and fear which makes it difficult to learn and grow emotionally.
To learn more about social aggression, the Emery County Domestic Violence Coalition welcomes the public to attend their seventh annual October Awareness Program on October 12. The program will be at noon on the second floor in the county building on Main Street. A free lunch will be provided. Also, we have doorprizes this year. You must be present to win.
Amy Rasmussen will be the Coalition’s guest speaker this year. Amy has a master’s degree in social work. She worked as a child welfare caseworker for DCFS in the past. She has been involved in education for nine years and she is currently a Behavior Specialist for the Carbon County School District. She will soon be certified as an Educational Psychologist. Amy has extensive experience counseling individuals and families. She has taught social skills at various schools. Amy will help identify characteristics of bullies and victims. She will offer suggestions and advice in how parents and community members can cope with this often overlooked problem.