Psychological Abuse At The Workplace

FOR THE VICTIMS

The most productive action in these abusive situations is to intervene to release the victim from the cycle of abuse. Even though these strategies may not address the cause of the abuse, the victim must not be neglected in the interim.

Remove the victim from under the control of the abuser. Set up a support system of colleagues. Begin to restore self-esteem, set tasks that ensure success and respect from a wider group of the workers, then provide opportunities for the abused to take control of their tasks and responsibilities free of ridicule, doubt and innuendo.

Support the victim by acknowledging that abusive behaviour is not condoned. What they experienced was real: they did not imagine it. Help the victim to reassess the power base of the abuser from the new perspective. Continue to support the victim as he or she develops coping strategies for dealing with psychological abuse.
 
Reproduced with the express permission of Robyn Mann (2000).

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