Courts

Bullying Series Part 6: SPEAK UP About Suicide, Bullying, Toxic Culture and REAL HOPE

Published 28 February, 2017 | By peacefull

This video reveals a very candid discussion about suicide. It is an authentic discussion revealing issues we typically will not talk about. The information will expand on what you have thought about and extend beyond the typically narrow perspectives in the media.

It is the second video expanding more complex issues about suicide providing more information around the social issues around suicide. This video opens up real questions about what is democracy? The importance of values to unify people, the truth of equality, enlightenment, the adversarial legal system, lack of social support, stress, sorrow and pressure etc.

A Children’s Parliament is discussed to share a model highlighting humour and play, inclusivity, conflict resolution, values and creativity. She uses the example of climate change as a problem to be solved and providing a different way of seeing through REAL HOPE. This design could be modeled in enlightened companies or organisations that are focusing on working together for higher outcomes. But first we have to become authentic and be who we are.

Susan speaks about her experience in Russia with Dr. Patch Adams and the importance of starting a narrative on love. This word is never used in professional discourse yet it is the pink elephant in the room. It is the most important subject and it is what brings people together, produces happiness, healthy workplaces and will ensure stability to inspire people to stay happily in their workplace. Patch Adams travelled to Russia as a Peace strategy and to make a real difference. Clowns remind humanity of our true happiness.

This is for organisations that are seeking to genuinely engage in community development and honest dialogue. There has to be a genuine rethink about business and its impact on people and the planet.

Excellence will emerge from developing inclusive enlightened communities in workplaces and society.

Posted in Bullying, Courts, Dispute Resolution, Empowerment, Impacts of bullying, Inclusive, Love, Mediation, Suicide

Psychological Assault Verdict a First in Finland

Published 12 February, 2015 | By peacefull

Court of Appeals convicts Timo Räty of workplace bullying

The Court of Appeals has ordered Timo Räty, the former director of the Transport Workers’ Union AKT, to pay fines for assaulting the Union’s Communications Director Hilkka Ahde. The Court also found Räty guilty of two occupational safety offenses. The verdict constitutes a landmark decision in Finnish legal history.

Hilkka Ahde, Timo Räty ja Heikki Lampela. — AKT Communications Director Hilkka Ahde (front, left) and former AKT Director Timo Räty (right) with lawyer Heikki Lampela at Helsinki Court of Appeals in November 2014. Image: Martti Kainulainen / Lehtikuva

The Court found Räty guilty of assault. In practical terms, the former AKT leader was found guilty of psychological violence. As such, the Court of Appeals came to a similar decision as that made by the Helsinki District Court one year ago in January, when it sentenced Räty to 80 days’ worth of fines for assault and occupational safety offenses, and ordered him to pay a fine of 2,080 euros.

The District Court also ordered AKT and its former director to pay an additional 12,000 euros to Hilkka Ahde, to compensate for the mental duress and temporary disability she suffered. The Court of Appeals also upheld this conviction.

According to the District Court, Räty was guilty of assaulting Ahde over a period of six years by humiliating her in public, shouting at her, and even refusing to talk to her in the end. The District Court concluded that all this amounted to psychological violence.

Court: Räty acted deliberately

Echoing the District Court, the Helsinki Court of Appeals also said that Räty had harmed the health of Ahde in ways that fitted the definition of assault. Ahde had taken sick leave for the first time in December 2008. According to the Court of Appeals, by this point Räty must have realized that his behaviour was harming Ahde’s health. Even so, Räty did not change his ways, and stopped communicating entirely with Ahde in 2009.

The Court notes that Räty maintained his behaviour even after being contacted by occupational health care and Regional State Administrative Agencies about his treatment of Ahde. This showed that Räty had acted deliberately, and that he must have realised that his actions were most probably harming Ahde’s health.

First conviction for psychological assault in Finland

The District Court and Court of Appeals assault verdict is the first in Finland given for psychological violence, according to District Prosecutor Tuire Tamminiemi. An assault sentence has never been handed out in Finland for psychological violence occurring in an occupational – or any other – setting.

Tamminiemi is happy with the Court of Appeals verdict, which she sees as significant in areas of occupational safety and violent crime.

“People will become aware that workplace bullying cases can, and should be raised,” notes the prosecutor.

Hilkka Ahde was very happy with the Court of Appeals decision, according to her lawyer Mika Kivikoski.

Posted in Courts, Europe, Legislation