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From: Tobe Richards
Date: 01 Oct 2004
Time: 05:06:42 -0500
Remote Name: 82.32.55.165
Gina, Although we've talked about this awful time in your life before, it brings it into much sharper focus seeing it there in black and white. I just can't imagine having to live through that treatment day in, day out. As you say in your paper, there is no such thing as a "typical" victim - if the bullies decide someone is ripe for targetting, nothing is going to persuade them otherwise. Obviously, if that is going to happen, the child has to know there's a safe habour they can go to and it won't result in a worsening of the situation. In Britain we now have a telephone helpline specifically for children, called Childline, set up by television presenter and journalist, Esther Rantzen. I believe this has helped many children suffering at the hands of bullies or caught up in difficult domestic situations. What I'm concerned about is, whether there's a facility on Childline for children with speech and hearing difficulties. I know if I'd been in Gina's position, I'd never have picked up phone because of my stuttering. Neil, a friend of mine at school also suffered at the hands of bullies. It affected him so much that he carried a flask of whisky in his pocket, to school every day, to give him Dutch courage. Like you, he came out the other side, but as you say, the outcome isn't always quite so positive. Gin, it's a painful, but beautifully written piece, which will strike a chord with quite a few members of the stuttering community I'm sure. A "must read" piece for all parents and teachers! Best, Tobe