Bullying at work

Being bullied at work can leave you feeling stressed, anxious and very alone. If you’re a nurse, midwife or student in Victoria, we are here to support you.

Our service is free, confidential and completely independent from your workplace. This means you can talk openly and safely, without fear of judgement.

Impact of bullying

Bullying can have a serious effect on both your mental and physical health. You might notice things like:

• feeling constantly stressed or on edge
• anxiety, panic attacks or difficulty sleeping
• low self-esteem or confidence
• headaches, muscle tension or stomach problems
• confusion or difficulty making decisions
• frequent crying, sadness or isolation
• strained relationships with family, friends or colleagues

What is bullying

Comcare Australia describes workplace bullying as repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed at an employee or group of employees that creates a risk to health and safety. It’s different from a one-off disagreement or a reasonable direction from a manager.

Bullying behaviours

Direct bullying might look like:

• verbal abuse or insults
• offensive comments or language
• being put down publicly
• gossip, rumours or deliberate misinformation 

Indirect bullying can include:

• deliberately changing rosters or leave to cause inconvenience
• excluding someone from workplace activities
• constant criticism or nit-picking
• setting unrealistic deadlines
• giving tasks beyond someone’s skill level

Steps you can take

Acknowledge the impact 

Bullying is not “just part of the job.” It can harm your health, wellbeing and safety.

Write things down 

Keep notes about what happened, when, and how it affected you. Save any messages or emails.

Seek support early 

Reach out to us, a trusted colleague, a mentor, or your union. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Know your rights 

Check your workplace’s bullying and harassment policies and be aware of the laws that protect you.

Consider formal steps if needed 

If bullying continues, you may need to make a formal report internally, or seek help from your union,

WorkSafe or the Fair Work Commission.

Look after yourself 

Bullying is stressful. Rest, good food, movement and spending time with supportive people can help. Professional support is always available if you need it.

How we can help you

A safe space to talk 

Sometimes the hardest part is simply telling someone what’s happening. NMHPV offers a private, supportive space where you can share your experience and feel heard.

Emotional support 

Our clinicians are nurses and midwives too and understand how tough bullying can be. They can help you manage the stress and anxiety it causes.

Practical advice

Not sure what to do next? We can guide you through your options, whether that’s keeping records, checking workplace policies, or finding the right people to talk to.

Connections to further help

If bullying has started to affect your mental health or safety, we can link you with specialised services, your union, or other supports.