Ways Youth Can Help End Violence

As a young person who is concerned about

bullying, abusive, or violent behaviour,

what can I do to help?

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Acting to prevent or address violence does not always look like one heroic act. There are actions we can choose that fit our own safety, our personal style, our relationship with the victim or abuser, and the situation we witness. Taking action to help can save a life.

DON’T STAND BY, STAND WITH VICTIMS

• Ask someone you are concerned about if they are okay. Help them feel less alone.
• Listen and believe when someone tells you they experience bullying, abuse, or violence.

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DON’T STAND BY, STAND WITH VICTIMS

• Trust your instincts, if you sense someone isn’t safe. If you see, hear, or suspect violence, get help. Don’t put yourself in danger.
• Get help from an adult you trust, like a parent or teacher or school counsellor.

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DON’T STAND BY, STAND WITH VICTIMS

• Support victims – not bullies or abusers. Don’t blame victims. Abuse, bullying, and violence don’t happen because victims deserve it or because they are “asking” for it.
• Speak out against media images that glorify violence and against jokes, insults, and stereotypes that demean and disrespect women, children, or others.

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LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF ABUSE

• blaming a dating partner for all the problems
• acting jealous
• isolating them from friends
• trying to control them

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• excessively texting them
• pressuring them for sex
• insulting and demeaning them
• threatening to hurt themselves or someone else

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Unhealthy dating behaviours

LOOK OUT FOR SIGNS OF ABUSE

• Punching
• Shoving
• Hurting people physically
• Hurting people emotionally or sexually

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• Spreading rumours
• Using social media to hurt
• Keeping certain people out of a group
• Teasing
• “Ganging up”

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Bullying behaviours

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

• Be the best “you” you can be – reject roles as a “boy,” “girl,” “woman,” or “man” that limit your choices and identities.
• Recognize your role in prejudices that harm people – sexism, racism, classism, ableism, heterosexism, and more. Take responsibility for changing your own attitudes and actions.
• Choose to express feelings in non-violent ways.

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BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

• Speak out about violence with your friends, classmates, family, neighbours, teachers, and community. Encourage someone who acts violently to get help – but only if you are really sure you are safe to do so.
• Learn more about women’s rights, human rights, and equity – today and in history, in your neighbourhood and around the world.

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BE PART OF THE SOLUTION

• Respect people of all genders and sexualities – their bodies, minds, and spirits – equally. Treat everyone with respect and fairness.
• Volunteer with organizations that are actively working to end violence.

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If you witness or suspect child abuse, it is mandatory to report it to Child Protection at 1-877-341-3101.

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If you suspect abuse or neglect of an older person, contact Adult Protection at 902-892-4790.

NEED HELP?

• Kids Help Phone: kidshelpphone.ca

1-800-668-6868 Text 686868

• PEI Victim Services Charlottetown 902-368‑4582

Summerside 902-888‑8218

• PEI Family Violence Prevention Services

fvps.ca 1-800-240-9894

• Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Women’s Shelter

cmbmws.ca 1-855-287-2332

• PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre

www.peirsac.org 1-866-566-1864

• 211 Information Service: pe.211.ca
• IN IMMEDIATE DANGER - 911

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Premier’s Action Committee on

Family Violence Prevention

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stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca