RCMP looking into Port Coquitlam teen’s suicide
Posted October 13, 2012 8:46 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PORT-COQUITLAM (NEWS1130) – The RCMP are asking for your help as part of their investigation into the sad case of a teenaged girl in Port Coquitlam who committed suicide earlier this week.
Sgt. Peter Thiessen calls Amanda Todd’s death a devastating tragedy and says police are conducting a full investigation. But he says it’s hard to lay charges in such cases.
“Those involved in bullying, depending on the form of the bullying and what the end result of that bullying is, certainly can result in charges,” notes Thiessen.
Coquitlam Serious Crime Investigators are asking the public to share a description of the pertinent information, their name and contact information via email.
Thiessen says bullying ranks second, behind substance abuse, among problems facing young people in BC.
Premier Christy Clark says the anti-bullying program being introduced in schools includes training that involves teachers confronting classroom bullies.
“The perpetrator needs to be punished, and the victim needs to be supported and protected from further retribution from the bully, so it’s a unique kind of dispute. We have to make sure educators understand it’s uniqueness,” she believes.
Clark says she’s heartbroken over the death of the 15-year-old girl.
Simon Fraser University criminologist Brenda Morrison says the response to bullying needs to change and the community needs to step up to fight back.
Meanwhile, Amanda’s mom Carol has gone public with her grief.
“I have lost one child but know she wanted her story to save 1,000 more,” she tells the Vancouver Sun.
Carol says Amanda seemed to be recovering from the depression she was suffering from over the summer. She acknowledged that Amanda was stalked by someone online, after she had lifted her top in front of a webcam. That person continued to taunt her by befriending Amanda’s new classmates as she moved schools.
Carol says despite the finger-pointing in the wake of Amanda’s death, her daughter had excellent support at school. She also points out a trust fund is being set up in her daughter’s name.
Amanda’s anti-bullying video, meantime, has gone viral.
Resources for kids and parents
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre is available to help province-wide.
Stop A Bully is a national anti-bullying reporting system.
Kids Help Phone is available anytime for youth of all ages. Call toll-free 1-800-668-6868.
