If the "speaking softly" isn't working, it's time for the stick.

My aunt had an exchange student in her care. At some point there was an altercation and a boy at school slapped the (female) exchange student.

School didn't want to do anything about it, was hemming and hawing.

So my aunt phoned the boys mother and explained the situation - and was met with a "well I can't do anything".

My aunt simply replied "Well I can have her at the police station this afternoon and file a report, with photos of her bruises. After that I'm going to call my lawyer."

Amazingly, the parent of the troublesome student suddenly found the ability to do something!

Speaking softly only works of you're willing to use the stick.