Victims of circumstance
Here at HEXUS.channel we feel that the austerity measures being forced on the public sector as a result of our unsustainable national debt are long overdue. It's hard to ignore the steady stream of headlines revealing over-staffed public services and remuneration packages most of the private sector can only dream about.
But the fear is that, rather than slashing bureaucracy, waste and inefficiency, it will be front-line workers like nurses, teachers and social-workers that get hit hardest. And this doesn't just apply to the public sector itself, but the vital voluntary sector that relies heavily on state support.
This phenomenon is being tragically illustrated by the demise of two organisations devoted to protecting people from bullying and the many other types of unpleasantness that can be experienced online.
Last week we received the sad news that E-Victims - a charity we had come to know well - was going to have to close down due to lack of funding. "Having worked with thousands of victims, I can say that the advice and expertise E-Victims.Org offered is needed more than ever," said Jennifer Perry, Founder of E-Victims.Org
"Everyone now knows someone who has had problems online. It's increasing because Internet scams are becoming more sophisticated, the popularity of social networks, and because the chances of being caught are low. But although the demand for advice and support has increased substantially over the last few years, we have not been able to secure the ongoing funding needed to continue to run the charity."
And now it emerges that Bulling UK, which specialises in cyber-bullying issues faces closure too if something isn't done to fill the funding short-fall.
"In past years the charity has relied on the help of businesses across the UK to support our work in the absence of any government grants, but the financial crisis means it has been difficult to source corporate help," said CEO and founder John Carnell.
"We have recently been refused central government funding, even though our service provides a lifeline to suicidal young people and distressed parents every single day. All we need to fund the service for a year is £50,000. We must be one of the most cost effective children's charities in the UK."
Bullying is not generally considered a crime, and is thus treated very lightly by the state. But the persistent traumatisation of children at their most psychologically vulnerable is a serious matter and can scar people for life.
We're saddened that the current economic climate is forcing the closure of voluntary support groups at a time when they're probably most needed. So we urge you to visit www.bullying.co.uk and spread the word about its struggles. If you think it's a worthy cause, maybe you can do your bit to help it.
