How We Can Work Together to Stop Power Abuse

It's not something new to know that the abuse of power does not happen only in government. I have seen it in our everyday lives, sometimes even in ways we have become too used to and don't realize how abusive some of our relationships have become. Power is not bad, people need to be in charge for things to work.

There are leaders in the government, schools, workplaces, religious groups, and even our families but the problem starts when people use the power they have to control, oppress, or take advantage of others. And sadly, I've seen it happen in many ways to people, even personally, I have experience some both mildly and severely.

Before I share some of mine, I'd like to point that power abuse happen in many ways, in a workplace where manager treats employees badly, in families where older people don't think they can be corrected by their younger ones and in relationships where one of the partners gets verbally or even physically abused by the other.

There are also those people in positions of authority demanding special treatment when they don't even follow the same rules they expect others to obey. It's a worse situation that the people who are being treated unfairly are too afraid to speak up. Fear of losing their jobs, relationships, or opportunities. Others remain silent because they believe nothing will change.

One time, I was working under a lawyer who feels like the world revolves around him since he's the one paying my salary. I still can not forget how abusive he slowly got towards me and my colleagues but only I couldn't keep up with his attitude while the others continues. I didn't speak up but I didn't continue working like it's nothing.

I know one of the best ways to address this problem is to make accountability a shared responsibility. We cannot leave everything to the people in charge because they may not always be willing to correct themselves. First, we need to learn to speak up when something is wrong. It does not mean fighting or being disrespectful.

Secondly, organisations and communities should have clear rules that apply to everyone, regardless of their position. A leader should not escape punishment for an offence simply because they have money, connections, or influence. There should also be safe ways for people to report their wrongdoings without fear.

It's also an important step to learn to work together. That is while one person speaking up may be ignored, having several people raise the same genuine concern, it becomes harder to dismiss. We can support those who speak out, share useful information responsibly, and encourage fair ways of resolving disagreements.

But accountability shouldn't be about pulling people down because we dislike them but about making sure everyone takes responsibility for their actions. We should be willing to correct ourselves when we are wrong, even when we have authority over others. I believe power should be used to serve people, and not to silence them.