John,

I hope this finds you healthy and safe during these unprecedented times.

It’s been more than a month since most schools closed to avoid the spread of COVID-19. And some alarming trends are emerging at the national crisis center of our Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

The percentage of life-safety tips – where at least one life is in imminent danger – have more than doubled since the shelter-in-place orders began. Reports of abuse, suicidal ideation, depression, cyberbullying, cutting and other self-harm are also on the rise nationwide.

But, thanks to the support of friends like you, lives are being saved.

Here are just a couple of the interventions you’ve made possible from the hundreds of tips that have come in:

A tipster self-reported that they were feeling helpless and considering suicide. They stated that they felt alone and that no one was there for them, especially during quarantine. Not only did the student have active suicide ideation, but they also had a plan in place and access to a weapon. The tip was designated as “life-safety,” and the crisis center continued to dialogue with the tipster until local police arrived. The student was then transported to the hospital.

A tipster reported that they and their siblings were being abused by their parents, who both regularly overused alcohol. The tipster described situations in which the siblings had objects thrown at them or were struck in the face with a closed fist. The tipster also provided screenshots of events that had put one of the siblings in the hospital and caused another sibling to be suicidal. The tipster also explained that family tensions and the siblings’ fears were even higher than usual due to the quarantine. The crisis center designated the tip as “life-safety” and made contact with the school of one of the siblings. Police arrived at the siblings’ residence and intervened. The school followed up with additional support and services.

Seeing these tips coming in every day is heart-wrenching. Yet knowing our skilled counselors are supporting these kids and, when needed, working directly with schools and law enforcement to intervene, gives me hope. Most importantly, kids are recognizing the warning signs of violence and speaking up to get help. This is our Sandy Hook Promise in action.

We ARE saving lives. And we couldn’t do it without you.

With deepest thanks,

Nicole Hockley (Dylan’s mom)