I Watched and Said Nothing

A manager repeatedly targeted a junior colleague in meetings. I watched him belittle her work, joke about her competence, and exclude her from decisions. I knew it met the definition of bullying. I had the seniority to challenge it and chose not to. I stayed quiet in every meeting and never escalated it. Over months she became withdrawn and anxious. Eventually she signed off sick and never returned. HR acted only after she left. I still work there. My silence helped make the environment survivable for me and unbearable for her.