Are bullying and abuse the same thing?

Bullying and abuse often come to the same ultimate conclusion – the harm of the recipient. Abuse may be defined as treating a person with cruelty or violence. Bullying is often an act meant to harm, intimidate, or coerce someone the perpetrator sees as vulnerable. The two are very similar. Bullying may be thought of as a particular form of abuse.

Abuse is often a misuse of power that involves emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect. Abuse can be perpetrated against anyone that an abuser has or exercises power over. People who are in positions of trust, power, and authority are in a position to abuse that trust, power, and authority. Abuse is typically an act that can result in criminal action against the person who commits the abusive behavior.

While we may think of abuse as happening typically with children, abuse can occur in nearly any setting. Work, school, the home, and many other places can provide a setting. Abuse may occur within families with children as targets, and it can also occur in adult relationships, between employer and employee, and many other adult relationships.

Some of the risk factors involved in those who engage in abusive behaviors are a history of physical or mental illness, family crisis or stress including domestic violence, financial stress, social isolation, poor understanding of child development and parenting skills, and substance abuse issues. Prevention involves seeking support and education, learning anger and emotion management skills, and reaching out for support to friends, family, and others in the community.

Bullying is also a misuse of power. It involves verbal and physical actions. Bullying typically targets children but can also occur between adults. Like abuse, bullying is a misuse of power, typically aimed at someone the perpetrator views as weak or vulnerable. Depending on the state and country where bullying occurs, it may not carry criminal repercussions for the perpetrator.

People who perpetrate bullying typically have trouble resolving problems with others, hold negative attitudes and beliefs about others, feels negative about themselves, and comes from a family environment of conflict. The best bullying prevention measures involve intervention with parents and peers. 

If you’re struggling with abuse or bullying, reaching out for support is a vital step in changing the situation. Visiting with a therapist, your medical provider, or appropriate authorities like school officials, local police, or local child services may connect you with valuable local resources in your community.

Important Contact Information

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD

For support with bullying, visit StopBullying.gov