<p>Current understanding of the risk and protective factors for bullying victimisation is predominantly informed by Western, individualistic perspectives. The effects of factors such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and self-esteem remain underexplored in non-Western, collectivistic contexts. This gap is especially evident in the Kurdistan Region (Iraq), where distinct socio-cultural dynamics and a history of systemic instability may uniquely position ACEs as precursors and self-esteem as both a buffer against and a consequence of peer victimisation. The present study aims to determine the associations of ACEs and self-esteem with bullying victimisation among secondary school students in Sulaymaniyah (Kurdistan). A cross-sectional design was employed with a convenience sample of 501 students (266 male, 235 female, aged 14–21 years) from governmental and non-governmental schools. Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression analyses revealed a significant positive association between ACEs and bullying victimisation. Conversely, no significant relationship was found between self-esteem and bullying victimisation. The full model accounted for 24% of the variance. Independent-samples <i>t</i>-tests indicated no statistically significant differences by gender or school type. These findings highlight ACEs as a salient risk factor for bullying victimisation, while questioning the universality of self-esteem and demographic variables as protective factors in this collectivistic population. The study underscores the need for trauma-informed anti-bullying interventions and specialised training for school counsellors to address the enduring impact of ACEs within the educational system.</p>