CVMA launches cyberbullying hotline for veterinary members

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has launched a cyberbullying and crisis communication management hotline for members, adding a formal 24/7 support option for veterinarians dealing with online harassment, negative reviews, and reputational flare-ups. The service is staffed by Bernstein Crisis Management, gives CVMA members up to 30 minutes of free consultation, and connects into a broader support package that also includes mental health referral resources, Togetherall peer support, and a step-by-step response flowchart. CVMA first said in December 2024 that the hotline was coming in 2025, and it now appears to be live. (canadianveterinarians.net)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this is more than a PR tool. Cyberbullying has been tied to workplace tension, mental health strain, and even thoughts of leaving practice. CVMA’s move reflects a wider recognition across veterinary medicine that online harassment is now an occupational health issue, not just a communications nuisance. AVMA has been building similar cyberbullying and reputation-management resources for years, and a 2023 AVMA survey cited by AAHA found that 40% of respondents said they or someone they work with had experienced workplace cyberbullying. (canadianveterinarians.net)

What to watch: Watch for signs that CVMA expands this from emergency hotline support into broader clinic-level training, policy templates, and team-based prevention resources. (canadianveterinarians.net)