Bullying is abusive treatment, the use of force or coercion to affect others,particularly when habitual and involving an imbalance of power. It may involve verbal harassment, physical assault or coercion and may be directed persistently towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender,sexuality, or ability.The "imbalance of power" may be social power and/or physical power. The victim of bullying is sometimes referred to as a "target."