It is common for victims of bullying to look for reasons that might explain why they have been singled out.

There is no definitive answer. Certainly, some bullies may choose their victims because of their gender, religion, ethnicity or sexuality. Jealousy may be a factor as may petty grudges.

But it important to recognise that it is quite possible that there is no definable reason for the bullying or harassment and that to devote one's energies to trying to find one may add further frustration. It may also serve to divert the focus of the person targeted introspectively rather than towards the guilty party.

Whatever has been the stimulus for the behaviour, victims should remember that the question, "Why me?" is always the wrong one to ask. As an aberrant behaviour, it is always the bully - not the target of bullying or harassment - of whom questions require to be asked.

A bully is always in the wrong and therefore seeking explanations outwith the mind of the bully will always be a flawed and ultimately futile practice. Others may choose to speculate on why the bully should be unable to behave in a normal, reasonable and healthy manner.

However, just as it is normal to be of any origin or persuasion, to be more or less able than colleagues or to experience occasional personality conflicts, it is therefore clearly abnormal to react to these differences or circumstances in an intimidatory or offensive manner.

It is, though, very common for people who are suffering through bullying or harassment to feel isolated and, therefore, to mistakenly conclude that the fact that others appear to be treated differently points to there being a reason for their victimisation. The fact is that promoting the sense of isolation may be yet another psychological weapon of the bully.

It is also quite possible that others are experiencing similar bullying or harassment without communicating this fact to colleagues. This is one good reason for making a point of confiding in a trusted colleague or union representative at an early stage.

It is, though, very important to remember that, where there is evidence of discriminatory behaviour, the case will be treated with special gravity and may constitute a criminal offence.