There's a lot of them in the atheism community - not necessarily specifically on this site (actually, on average, this site seems to have fewer) - just in general. Specifically, I mean people who belittle and demean you, though if you want to discuss physical ones, I'd be happy to listen. Hope you're all safe.
Their words only have the meaning you choose to allow, and in large measure reflect their own biases. Listen, learn, but don't take offense.
It depends a lot upon my mood, how much time I have, if it is in person or online, and who is being bullied.
For example, in my classroom I go over day one that I have a zero tolerance policy. I wrote one up the very first week of school this year and two since then. The first completely changed and is now one of my best students.
I am much more likely to engage if I see someone else being bullied, especially in person. However, I have been known to go on the attack online. If someone is trying to bully me, well I am no longer the scared little boy I was in school. If it is online I pound them mercilessly with facts and logic. If it is in person, I get to have real fun. You see I am 6'8" and near 300lbs, I have been a correctional officer and teacher, I have had a gun pulled on me four times to my face and laughed. Try to bully me in person and I promise you great fear without me saying or even really doing anything, it is all in the look. It has made grown men cry.
My Mom was 5ft 1in and faced down a young drunk Marine on her front porch with a mop. Sometimes tone of voice and a look is plenty!
How do I deal with bullies? I ignore his Tweets...
"Hit first, Hit HARD. Hit often." --- Jack Reacher.
Yep, If you know someone will physically assault you from past experience, don't wait for them to strike. go ballistic. Eyes, throat, groin, nothing is off limits. make them hurt sooooooooo bad that they don't want to deal with it again.
The abused have an advantage, they know what pain is, the bully frequently has no first hand experience of that sort.