bullying

Survey research: Using data from the survey done for the Commission on Bullying, we ask, "What are the elements of the situation that correlate with a community that is bully-free compared with one that has bullying and mobbing?”

Qualitative research: factors influencing persistence / control of mobbing and compliance with public health rules for maintaining 6 feet distance from others and using a face covering.

Abstract

Community norms can either promote a healthy, caring community or lead to a toxic community that is harmful. In public and subsidized housing for the elderly and disabled, failure to control bullying and mobbing (group bullying) creates a toxic community, while failing to prevent transmission of COVID-19 can create a deadly situation.

Comments prepared for delivery at the November 14, 2024 gathering of the Anti-Hate, Anti-Bias Task Force of Middlesex DA Marian T. Ryan

Thank you DA Ryan and ADA Thompson for the honor of speaking here.

DA Ryan, I have long admired your proactive efforts in educating and mobilizing community leaders for preventing harm to elderly people.

This task force led by ADA Antonia Soares Thompson is a bulwark against the flood of hate, bias, and disrespect that threatens to overwhelm us.

In some housing authorities, the governance system is in turmoil. How can we remedy the breakdown in trust that affects everyone: tenants, the board, the executive director, the staff, and even the public? Can we find a way to create a more collaborative, transparent community and to value constructive input from everyone? This is Part 2; see Part 1 

In some housing authorities, the governance system is in turmoil. How can we remedy the breakdown in trust that affects everyone: tenants, the board, the executive director, the staff, and even the public? Can we find a way to create a more collaborative, transparent community and to value constructive input from everyone? This is Part 1; See Part 2

Some tenants of Apple Village allege they are the targets of harassment, abuse, bullying, and deliberate actions to create stress. Members of each of the tenant associations accuse the other of bullying. Some blame the manager. The problems are pervasive. The situation may qualify as hostile environment harassment. Apple Village in Beverly has two HUD-subsidized apartment buildings for elderly and disabled.

EDITORIAL: Reconciliation at Apple Village?

A cookout at Apple Village that was intended to bring people together for reconciliation instead revealed discord, stress, and pain.

Two opposed groups of tenants accuse each other of bullying and many interpret everything from a perspective of mistrust, fear, anger, and expectation of malice. One of the groups is trying to stop the conflict and invited all residents to a cookout. Neighbors do not trust neighbors and some do not trust the management. The situation demonstrates hostile environment harassment.