Why did we write a book on workplace bullying?

Sheila: ‘After being bullied out of a job I had performed competently for seven years, my self-esteem was at an all-time low. I was not ready to return to work, but needed a project to occupy my mind; the research and interviews, as well as the writing, were therapeutic for me. I feel that, through this book, I can help other people experiencing abuse at work to recognize and tackle the bullying early and thus minimize the damage. I am now in the process of setting up a support group for victims.’

Helene: ‘Until I watched Sheila’s gradual deterioration as the bullying progressed and escalated, and witnessed first-hand the degree of physical and emotional trauma she experienced as a consequence, I was one of those people who say, ‘It’s only a job. Why don’t you just walk away?’ During the same period, a close family member experienced post-traumatic stress as a result of workplace bullying, and I befriended someone who has been unable to work again since being bullied. Researching this book was a revelation to me, and I believe the general community needs to be educated in this area.

Being the focus of injustice or abuse in the workplace is lonely and isolating because only those who have experienced or witnessed it can understand the devastation it causes. We both feel that, if reading our book helps with the recover of only one victim, prompts even one person to stop and think before tormenting a fellow employee, or inspires one employer to introduce an anti-bullying policy, then the years spent researching and writing will have been worthwhile.’

Sheila and Helene are available for speaking engagements with radio, television and the print media, as well as for workplace bullying conferences.

Sheila Freeman Author Sheila has wide-ranging skills, both academic and practical, attained over more than thirty years of working in diverse areas, including community agencies, private practice and Director of a family business. She has a Certificate IV in Community Mediation, a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, a Diploma of Community Services/Financial Counselling. She is a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner facilitating mediation sessions in parenting plans, financial and property settlements. She is also a mediator/consultant in the areas of workplace bullying, money management and other life matters to individuals, schools, work and community groups. She has counselled clients on issues of redundancy, work-related accidents or death (construction), drug, alcohol, gambling, bankruptcy and WorkCover issues. Sheila is also active in her local community is a Bail Justice and a Justice of the Peace and has been involved with various groups including the Williamstown Writers, the Society of St Vincent de Paul and is  past President of the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corp Association She has co-authored two books with her colleague Helene Richards: Bullying in the Workplace: An Occupational Hazard (1st edition HarperCollins 2002, 2nd edition HR Publications 2010) and Money Management for Women (University of New South Wales Press, 1999).

Helene Richards Author Helene has an Associate Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing, a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, and works as a workplace trainer, freelance writer, editor and publisher. As a writer, she has co-authored two books with Sheila Freeman – Bullying in the Workplace: An Occupational Hazard (1st edition HarperCollins 2002, 2nd edition HR Publications 2010) and Money Management for Women (University of New South Wales Press, 1999). She wrote the history of the Shell oil refinery at Newport, 80 Years at Newport (1996), has had articles, short stories and poetry published in anthologies, magazines and newspapers, and has won awards for her writing. Her small publishing business (HR Publications – hrpubs@bigpond.com) focuses mainly on memoirs, local histories and anthologies. She was Secretary of the Society of Women Writers (Victorian branch) and editor of their monthly newsletter for two years, is a founding member and past coordinator of the Williamstown Writers’ Group, was a member of the organising committee and prizes coordinator for the annual Williamstown Literary Festival for several years, and tutors in creative writing for her local U3A and for community centres.