GIRLS' RIGHTS CARD

WHAT TO SAY IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE
Am I under arrest? If so, please tell me why. If I am not under arrest, am I free to go? I want to exercise my right to silence and talk to a lawyer before I say anything to you.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SILENCE AND TO SPEAK TO A LAWYER
I will only give you my name, my address and my birth date.

I want to speak to a lawyer before I say or sign anything. Use your common sense, but in general you are best to keep quiet. You have a right to talk to a lawyer even if you know you have done something wrong. The police must give you a phone, a list of free lawyers and a private place to make calls. I want to speak to my lawyer before agreeing to a police interview.

Until you have talked to a lawyer you should not talk to other people about your case. Sometimes what you say to other people coulc be used against you. That includes what you say to friends, adults, or to the person next to you in the holding cell or sheriff van. I will only take legal advice from a lawyer. Advice from parents, social workers, probation officers, outreach workers, or foster parents can be helpful but it is not legal advice. Any lawyer can give you advice, it does not need to be your lawyer. Do not take legal advice from the police, ask your lawyer.

BEING SEARCHED
I don't consent to a search of my body or belongings. Police can only search you if they have a valid reason. It's important for you to say you do not consent, the police could search you even if you say "no". Do not resist the search. Tell your lawyer you said "no" to the search.

I have the right to be searched by a female officer if you are going to do anything more thatn a basic pat-down. If a male officer searches you, get his badge number.

Are you a police officer? Only a police officer can search me or my things. "Kiddie Car" social workers are not allowed to pat you down or search you or your things.

ABUSE OF AUTHORITY
Have you ever felt creeped-out or disrespected by a person in authority? Abuse of authority is when an adult in a position of power uses their power improperly. They might use it for their personal sexual gratification, or for some other reason that is not part of their job. For example when anyone in a position of authority:

Calls you names
Jokes about sex around you
Makes sexual comments about your body or clothing
Makes disrespectful comments about your heritage, sexual-orientation, or community
Suggests or tries to have sexual contact with you
Does a sketchy "pat down," public body search, or unnecessary strip search
Takes and abandons you somewhere far from your neighbourhood?
Hurts you, either physically or sexually

If a person in authority has done any of these things to you, tell your lawyer and/or call Justice For Girls (604 689 7887) or Pivot Legal Society (604 696 1322) --collect calls ok

Prepared by Justice for Girls & Pivot Legal Society