Quebec students who have witnessed or who are experiencing sexual misconduct or violence in school have a new number they can contact for help.

In April 2023, Minister of Education Bernard Drainville announced the implementation of a new toll-free telephone line 1-833-DENONCE (1-833-336-6623) that will allow a witness or victim to report any situation of sexual misconduct or violence in schools. The phone line is in addition to an email address already available (signalements@education.gouv.qc.ca) and follows up on the commitment made by Minister Drainville on March 24 — part of the Quebec government’s strategy to fight increasing violence in the province’s schools. It was during a March question and answer session in the Quebec Legislature that Drainville acknowledged the challenges that Quebec schools are facing and said he is “extremely concerned” about the violence in schools, which he noted could be a result of the pandemic.

“Students who have been victims of violence in our schools must be able to report these situations confidentially and safely. With this new telephone line, we are providing them with an additional resource for help. The health and safety of students and school staff are my priorities, and I will not compromise on that,” said Drainville in a French press release.

The confidential and free line is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and callers can also leave a message and receive a call in return. The ministry’s teams will provide appropriate support to people who report situations of sexual misconduct or other violence and will refer them to the appropriate resources.

For any sexual misconduct, violence, or inappropriate behaviour in the classroom or educational environment, call 1-833-DENONCE (1-833-336-6623), email signalements@education.gouv.qc.ca or fill out a form at denonciation.education.gouv.qc.ca.

The Ministry of Education’s telephone line does not take the place of the police — particularly in cases of criminal offences. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a criminal act in a school environment is encouraged to report the situation directly to the police by calling 911 or going to a police station.

Assistance and support services are also offered by specialized organizations to support victims of violence or those who witness it. These include:

Tel-jeunes: teljeunes.com
Sexual Violence Helpline:  infoaideviolencesexuelle.ca
Marie-Vincent Foundation: marie-vincent.org
Crime Victims Assistance Centres (CAVAC): cavac.qc.ca