How to Out Rage:

Don't stand by. Reach Out. Take Action.

Level the playing field and step up. Most of the time, you'll stop the abuse in less than 10 seconds if you step in. Everybody has the right to feel safe at home, at school, at work and in the community.

Ten things you can do about violence:

Tell someone. If you are the victim or you've witnessed violence tell someone you trust, such as a friend, parent, teacher, coach, brother/sisters, or a neighbour.
Take all violence and abuse seriously. Remember, violence and abuse is against the law.
Take a stand. If you witness any form of violence or abuse stand up, step in, or shout out that the violence has to stop.
Think for yourself! Don't follow the crowd and don't give in to peer pressure. Don't participate in any forms of violence or abuse just because your friends do.
Take back the control. Offenders act violently or abusively to gain control. By standing up against violence and not participating in it, you take the control away from the offender and pass it to the victim.
Remember, putting others down doesn't raise you up. Being violent won't make you feel better.
Have zero tolerance for violence. Violence and abuse of any type that happens at any time is wrong. Period.
Be a friend. Listen, don't judge, and support the person who is being abused, let them know it wasn't their fault.
Spread the word. Comfort the person who was hurt and let them know that what happened wasn't fair and wasn't deserved.
Stay cool. Try not to respond to violence with anger. Anger can make things worse.

If you are a victim:
There may be trained counsellors and services in your community that can help you deal with being victimized by violence. Speak with a trusted teacher, guidance counsellor or another adult who can help you get the help you need. You can also call the Kids Help Phone free of charge at 1-800-668-6868 or visit the Contacts section of this site.

If you are abusive:
If you think you are abusive, or if you are being violent to others and want to stop, counselling can help. You can learn to deal with people in non-violent ways. But only you can make the decision to stop your violent behaviour. Call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 737-4668 or toll-free at 1-888-737-4668, talk to your doctor, or visit the Contacts section of this site.

Friends and peers:
If you think that one of your friends is being abusive, let them know that their behaviour is hurtful. Tell them they are responsible for their actions, and that there is help available.

If you think that a friend, family member, or even a person you do not know very well is being abused, offer them your support. Encourage them to seek help, and let them know that they are not to blame for the abuse. There is power in numbers and it helps just to know that you are not alone.

Some other ways to help a friend who is being abused:

Listen to them and let them know you believe them.
Don't be judgmental and don't criticize them.
Tell them they don't deserve to be abused.
Talk to them about the choices they have, but don't tell them what to do.
Support them.
Offer to go with them to a counsellor.

Ways to help a friend who is abusive to others:

Tell your friend the behaviour is wrong.
Let them know there is help available.
Listen to them and be patient.
Tell them that blaming the abusive behaviour on drugs, drinking and someone else are just excuses.
Offer to go with them to a counsellor.

If you see it, stop it!

You may not be involved in the abuse itself, but don't stand by. Watching, encouraging violence or doing nothing makes you a part of the problem.

For ways to get help, visit the Contacts section of this site.

Stand Up. Reach Out. Step in. Stop the Violence.