What Can I Do For Someone Else?
One of your friends is acting strange. They aren’t talking to you about things like they normally do. It seems as though they don’t trust anyone. They are really emotional and are losing touch at school/work. Sound familiar?
If you have reason to believe someone you know is being abused, or if someone you know tells you they are being abused:
• Believe them!
• Listen to them openly and calmly!
• Be supportive and let them know it’s not their fault
• Contact the police or the local child welfare agency, or call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 (no area code needed)
Everyone who has a reason to believe that a child has been or is likely to be physically harmed, sexually abused or sexually exploited, or needs protection is legally responsible to report the matter to a child protection worker. (source: www.safekidsbc.ca)
To learn more about the reporting process click here (pdf)