Yesterday dozens of teens and young adults in our community were victims to a very public, mean-spirited cyberbullying attack that hit Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat platforms.

Please know we take this attack seriously. We’re sorry for the harm caused to those targeted and are working to bring this situation to a close as quickly as possible.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

– Taos Municipal Schools, Taos Police Department and New Mexico State Police are actively investigating to identify the person and/or persons responsible for the attack. The cyber attacker(s) potentially face criminal charges as a result of the violations committed.

WHAT WE CAN DO NOW

– To help stop the violations, assist authorities in identifying who is responsible. If you have any info to share or continued online posts to report, please contact Officer Henry Sanchez, Taos Police Department at (575) 613.6570 or Luckie Daniels, Taos Municipal Schools at (575) 224.4480.

– Resist re-sharing content [and talking] about the attack. No denying the content shared was hurtful. But authorities need to determine who is responsible for putting it online, and re-sharing original posts makes following the digital trail challenging. Also, the person/persons involved intended to cause those attacked pain and embarrassment. Don’t give him/her the satisfaction – cut the effort short!

– Get help if you need it. What’s happened is upsetting. Talking about this experience with trusted family and friends can help you get through it. We also have local resources (see below) and Crisis Text Line at #START 741741 available to support you. You are not alone. Let your circle and community help.

– Crisis Text Line – Text “START” 741741
– DreamTree Project (575) 758-9595
– Golden Willow Retreat (575) 776-2024
– Valle del Sol (575) 751-7037
– Non-Violence Works (575) 758-4297
– Tri-County Community Services (575) 758-5857
– 24/7 Emergency (575) 758-1125
– Youth Hotline (877) 968-8454
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255
– Sky Counseling Center (505) 473-6191
– Ted Wiard (505) 690-0126
– Jill Cline (575) 770-1327
– Marsha Carlson (650) 933-8367
– Risa Lehrer (575) 758-3913

As we learn more, we’ll share more. Just know this, we are here for you, however and whenever you need it.

See something. Say something. Do something.

Luckie and Justis

Hear Us, Resources, Stories

Project Semicolon

By taossteam on

November 25, 2016

- Hear Us, Resources, Stories

When Justis told me about the death of LEXI WILLIAMS (16) in Gastonia, North Carolina on November 21, I was again speechless. He’d received a Facebook message from a friend who was a friend of Lexi’s. News of Lexi’s suicide, by jumping off the Cox Bridge into I-85 traffic, has been shared by thousands across Facebook and Twitter.

I read many tweets from Lexi. She knew she needed help and asked for it, MANY times. There were countless signs and too many warnings to cite.

I didn’t know Lexi but I can’t help wondering if folks witnessing her very public struggle raised a flag? Did they know Lexi had options and hope could be found? Did anyone attempt to take action to save Lexi?

Is there a way to show love and provide support for teens in crisis while they are still living to benefit from it? Is there a real way to stop teen suicide?

Questions but no judgments here.

As a single mom with a demanding technology job, I know I’ve missed my share of crisis signs. With my son, I’ve been guilty of overlooking the stress and burden of living up to everyone’s overly high expectations. At times I’ve diminished teen issues because hell, I’m not walking in teen shoes. Admittedly, there’s much about “teen life” I don’t get.

But I want to. I want to see a sign and move QUICKLY in a way that protects the life of a young person who has EVERYTHING to live for.

I want to talk about action and work with people who are taking action. I want to answer my own question, what could we have done to save Lexi, so we can work to prevent the next “Lexi”?

If you are a teen or know a teen who needs to know there’s hope, we are here. See Something, Say Something is in this fight for the long-haul and accompanied by powerful partners – Project Semicolon and Crisis Text Line, we’re gonna kick hopelessness in the ass!

I’m no expert or mental health professional. I have not lost a child to suicide, and I’m fighting every day to keep it that way.

Checkout PROJECT SEMICOLON and Amy Bleuel. Hope is alive.

Your story is not over . . .

Luckie, mom/warrior

Resources, What's Up?

CYBERBULLYING: What We Know & Can Do Today

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

WHAT WE CAN DO NOW

Hear Us, Resources, Stories

Project Semicolon