Quebec is facing a troubling surge in missing teenagers, with families deeply affected by the alarming trend. Numerous cases have prompted police to seek public assistance, and at least five teens remain unaccounted for. Experts highlight the poor conditions in youth centers as a contributing factor to these disappearances. The community is urged to stay vigilant and support efforts to find these youths, as the situation poses significant dangers for vulnerable individuals.
Alarming Rise in Missing Teenagers in Quebec
The new year has taken a distressing turn for many families in Quebec, as a staggering number of teenagers have gone missing, prompting concern from organizations dedicated to supporting troubled parents.
“No parent should ever endure a night without knowing their child’s whereabouts. It’s the worst fear imaginable. All I want is for her to return home,” shared Jessica Benjamin with the Journal, her eyes welling with tears.
For the past 10 days, Jessica has been unable to sleep, deeply worried for her daughter, 16-year-old Camila Benjamin Hamilton. The last sighting of Camila was in downtown Montreal, where she was with friends.
Camila’s cell phone, which had previously been a reliable means of communication, has been disconnected. Her mother reflects on how unusual it is for Camila to go silent like this.
“It’s unbearable. There are moments when I feel like I’m suffocating,” Jessica confesses, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
Community Concerns About Safety
Jessica’s plight is not an isolated incident. Since the beginning of the year, numerous teenagers have vanished across the province, leading police to seek public assistance more than a dozen times for missing youth cases.
As of this past Monday, at least five of these teens remained unaccounted for, raising significant fears regarding their safety. It is important to note that many other cases go unreported and may never receive public attention.
January 2025 has seen an unprecedented influx of requests for assistance to the Network Children-Return organization, marking the most urgent month in its history.
“The situation is not improving. We may face dire consequences as summer approaches,” cautions Mélanie Aubut, the executive director, highlighting the trend of increased runaways during the warmer months.
Reports indicate that several of the missing minors had been residing in youth centers. Nancy Audet, an expert on abuse, points to the poor living conditions that these young individuals face. Many live in cramped quarters, sharing small rooms with several others.
“There’s a pervasive sense of isolation, excessive physical control, and invasive searches. Additionally, there has been a reduction in stimulating activities. Educators reached out to me during the holidays, expressing concern about the lack of programs for the youth,” she explains, reflecting on her own experiences in the Youth Protection Directorate (DPJ).
“It’s no surprise when they decide to run away,” she adds.
Isabelle Robidoux, another parent, has been living a nightmare since her son, Gilles Ducharme-Robidoux, went missing over two weeks ago. She’s struggling to eat and sleep, plagued by fear and anxiety.
“I’m consumed by fear. I just want him to call and reassure me that he’s okay,” she admits through tears.
Isabelle discovered that her 17-year-old son had planned his escape, and her greatest worry is that he might make irreversible decisions during this vulnerable time.
Runaway youth face significant dangers, as Nancy Audet notes, particularly young girls who can become targets for predators and exploitation. Boys, too, may fall prey to criminal organizations that exploit their vulnerabilities.
Profiles of Missing Teens
Here are details of five teenagers who are currently missing:
- Camila Benjamin Hamilton
- Age: 16
- Location: Laval
- Missing since: February 1
- Physical description: 1.65m (5ft5in), 58.9kg (130lb), brown hair, brown eyes
- Last seen wearing: pink bell-bottom pants, black UGG shoes, black coat
- Yohan Lauzier
- Age: 14
- Location: Drummondville
- Missing since: January 30
- Physical description: 1.77m (5ft10in), 58kg (130lb), dark brown hair, brown eyes
- Potential whereabouts: may be walking or in a vehicle in the Drummondville area
- Victor Beaudoin
- Age: 15
- Location: Drummondville
- Missing since: January 30
- Physical description: 1.80m (5ft11in), 68kg (150lb), brown hair, blue eyes
- Potential whereabouts: may be walking or in a vehicle in the Drummondville area
- Gilles Ducharme-Robidoux
- Age: 17
- Location: Huberdeau
- Missing since: January 26
- Physical description: 1.68m (5ft5in), 59kg (130lb), long curly brown hair, brown eyes
- Last seen wearing: green camouflage winter coat, black pants, black Nike shoes, dark backpack with orange stripes
- Wassim Bennabi
- Age: 16
- Location: Montreal
- Missing since: January 18
- Physical description: 1.70m (5ft7in), brown hair, brown eyes
- Last seen wearing: black jacket and joggers, olive skin
It is crucial for the community to remain vigilant and support efforts to locate these missing youths. Awareness and action can make a significant difference in their safety and well-being.