(Quebec) Bernard Drainville announced on Wednesday the creation of a telephone line dedicated to reporting situations of sexual misconduct and violence in schools. This announcement is part of a “general investigation” of the Ministry of Education towards the school network.
This new line, 1-833-DENONCE, is open now from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. It is also possible to leave a message on a voicemail outside of this time slot in order to be called back by an agent. This new tool is in addition to the email address already in effect, signalements@education.gouv.qc.ca. Together, they must allow the ministry to follow up on the reports and denunciations that shake the schools of Quebec.
“It is important to mention that the Ministry of Education cannot replace the police, especially in cases of criminal offences. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a criminal act in a school environment to report the situation directly to the police by calling 911 or by going to a police station,” the ministry said on Wednesday. Education in a statement.
On March 21, Bernard Drainville announced that he was launching a “general inquiry” into the numerous allegations of sexual crimes denounced which have shaken the school community for months. In a speech, the Minister of Education cited examples of cases reported in the media where teachers have been accused of having affairs with teenagers, among others.
Officials from the ministry’s internal affairs branch are conducting the “broad scope” investigation of the entire school service center network.
