Anger and the element of respect?

I have been off work for a bit do to tremendous emotional problems. I experience high emotional states. When I was at work I was being harrased and targeted by management because of my involvement with the union. I'm a very large man with numerous skills and resources. My gf at the time was interviewed and asked if I was a treat to anyone. She in an attempt to get custody of our son said yes he is dangerous and management should be careful. Then all kinds of crap happened and I have been off work for a while. I hear stories of the same people abusing there power and bulliing staff. What I don't get is why a individual will deliberately poke a dog but if they get bit it's the dogs fault!!!!