Dozens rally for bullying victims in Elgin

Sandy Reeves knows firsthand the prevalence of bullying in today's society.

It exists in schools and neighborhoods. It extends beyond childhood and into the workplace. It happens in different forms: verbal, physical, cyber.

After her daughter was hospitalized twice as a result of being bullied in sixth grade, Reeves made it her mission to encourage schools to instill anti-bullying policies and teach kids to speak out.

"We don't want kids to be bystanders anymore," the Hanover Park resident said.

Dozens of local residents, community leaders, emergency personnel and anti-bullying advocates rallied Sunday afternoon at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin to raise awareness and educate the public about bullying prevention.

"Bullies affect all parts of society, and their victims often suffer in silence," said Eric Rubin, an Elgin resident and a father of two.

After several local parents shared stories on social media about their children being bullied, Rubin reached out to Reeves, the Illinois chapter president of anti-bullying organization Stand for the Silent.

Together, they decided to hold their first "Stand Up for Victims of Bullying" rally, timed with National Bullying Prevention Month, Rubin said.

"More than anything, the goal is to inspire," he said. "If a child stands up to a bully, the bully is disempowered. (We hope to) inspire a few children to stand up and inspire change in a community and neighborhood."

The topic hit home for Elgin resident Griselda Sampieri, who attended the rally with her three children. Her 13-year-old daughter was bullied by a group of boys when she was in elementary school, she said.

"I wish it would stop forever," Sampieri said. "Nobody should be bullied for any reason."

At the event several attendees had their faces, hands and arms painted with anti-bullying pictures and messages. They also wrote their initials, the initials of a victim, or an inspiring word on a teal ribbon to honor those who have been bullied.

Speakers at the event included state Rep. Anna Moeller, Elgin police and fire officials, religious leaders and several community members who shared their personal experiences dealing with bullying. Moeller said she, too, was a victim of bullying when she was in junior high. She said she can remember the fear and anxiety she experienced going to school every day - a common issue among students of all ages who are being bullied, Reeves said.

"These are kids," Reeves said. "They're entitled to their education."

Reeves' husband, Craig Reeves, noted that the problem extends beyond schools. Bullying can occur in everyday life, including in the workplace, he said, and it's important to let families and victims know that they are not alone.

"If we can help one family, one child, all our efforts will be well worth it," he said.