Introduction

Workplace bullying is about so much more than statistics. The targets are real people, and the consequences can be devastating, even life-threatening. This chapter introduces the reader to my reasons for writing this book. It took until almost the end of my career to recognise I had been bullied. The realisation I had been subject to bullying and understanding how it affected me both personally and professionally left me feeling something needed to be done to bring this out in the open. I had a story to tell, and I knew I was not alone. I sought other health professionals with similar experiences to provide a human face to bullying. The 12 people who entrusted me with their stories are introduced.