The most important part of supporting children and youth is developing 
your relationship with them.
- Believe them.
- Be non-judgmental.
- Focus on their strengths and resilience.
- Let them know what happened to them was not their fault.
Try to be patient and let them take the lead in sharing what happened to them. If they are not ready to share, focus on creating safety with them. This might mean connecting them to another trusted adult like a school counsellor.
Another way you can support your child is by empowering yourself with knowledge and resources.
We have listed some in-person and online resources related to the issues around cybersafety, legal information, educational materials, and help lines; as well as services and supports for mental health and well-being for children, youth, families, and supporting adults. We hope you find them helpful. Resources are also available regarding PEI, school branches, and policies.
Violence Prevention and Response (PEI)
PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre
The Prince Edward Island Rape and Sexual Assault Centre is a non-profit, government-funded organization that provides services to youth and adult survivors of recent or historic sexual assault and childhood sexual assault and abuse. Services include systems navigation, individual therapy, group therapy, and information.
PEI Family Violence Prevention Services
Family Violence Prevention Services is organization dedicated to the eradication of physical, emotional and sexual violence in families through advocacy, prevention programs and services designed to empower and support those affected by family violence.
University of Prince Edward Island Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office
UPEI's Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SV-PRO) is a safe and confidential space for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual violence to obtain support, reporting options, and accommodations.
Support for Mental Well-Being (PEI)
Find help with bullying, educational supports, mental health, physical health, substance use, violence and abuse. 211 assists with connecting those in need of help with professionals in their area of expertise.
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, multilingual and confidential support to help all young people Feel Out Loud.
Community Mental Health Services
Mental health services including walk-in clinics, services for youth, adults, and families, as well as addictions services (Health PEI).
University of Prince Edward Island Counselling
The University of Prince Edward Island offers confidential, short-term counselling services for its students.
Holland College Counselling Services
Holland College offers counselling services for students and staff of the college's various campuses.
Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI Division
Programs for all ages, as well as education and training for educators and coaches.
Reporting and Legal Supports (PEI)
Victim Services assists victims of crime throughout their involvement in the justice system.
Find your local RCMP detachment by visiting the RCMP's website.
Community Legal Information Association of PEI
A non-profit charity that provides free legal services by phone, on its website, through email, its publications, and in its outreach efforts.
Educational Supports (PEI)
Student well-being teams work in PEI schools advising, consulting, and provide service to children and youth struggling with mental, social, and physical health issues (Department of Education and Lifelong Learning)
Department of Education and Lifelong Learning
The PEI Department of Education and Lifelong Learning develops and delivers programs and curriculum in English and French to Island children from birth to grade 12 (Government of Prince Edward Island).
La Commission scolaire de langue francaise (French Language School Board)
La Commission scolaire de langue francaise is an Acadian and Francophone collective that offers French-language education to students with the focus on promoting and developing its language and culture.
The Public Schools Branch encompasses the 56 English-language schools in the province.
Identity Specific Supports (PEI)
A non-profit tribal council that provides advisory services to member First Nations Councils in five key areas: band governance, community planning, financial, economical, and technical services. The Confederacy offers various services and programs.
PEERS Alliance strives to educate, engage, and support Island residents to build healthier, inclusive communities and to end stigma surrounding sexual health, and drug use using a trauma informed approach.
Immigrant and Refugee Services Association PEI (IRSA)
IRSA provides short-term settlement services, and long-term inclusion and community integration programs to new immigrants in the province of Prince Edward Island.
Sexual Health (PEI)
Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS)
Sexual Health, Options & Reproductive Services (SHORS) provides reproductive and sexual health care to Islanders of all genders, orientations and ages at various sites across PEI. To access safe, confidential, and supportive services, call 1-844-365-8258 (toll-free).
National Resources
Cybertip.ca
Canada’s tip line to report the online sexual exploitation of children.
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Downloadable resources for youth and adults, including information on removing pictures, the law, addressing self/peer exploitation, and cyberbullying (Need Help Now).
Bullying Canada Lifeline
Provides 24/7 national support, with volunteers available to effectively address the caller’s immediate issues.
PFLAG Canada
Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
PREVNet
National not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing youth interpersonal violence. PREVNet collaborates with communities, organizations, educators, researchers and youth to create and share learning resources that address bullying and teen dating violence.