@adnim
Wasn't trying to have a go at you, only at what you were saying, and if you think that's a diatribe, you should see some of the stuff on the Graun's CiF pages.
Bullies get away with it because they can, because people educate their children into a 'don't get involved, kid' mindset when they see it happening to other people.
I'm pleased for you that you were able to fight back physically, and do some damage while you were at it. 'Nuff respect. Trust me, that sort of bullying I've fought back against all my life, and continue to do so (much to friends', and wife's, consternation). The trouble is that physical bullying, the 'I'm gonna kick your fuckin 'ed in, you ain't 'avin no kids' type isn't even the half of it.
When I talked about violence in my first post, I wasn't necessarily talking about physical violence. No, the more pernicious problem is social bullying, which goes beyond "eurgh, she smells!' or 'you're talking to him? But he lives on Chav St'. It's the sort that, when carried on for years, seriously damages people and their perception of themselves, ultimately, in cases, leading them to have no self esteem whatsoever. Not a good place to be.
I'd like to continue this offline, if you're willing. www.wavysworld.com, my address is on there somewhere.