How can I report my groomer anonymously in Canada? Specifically, Alberta. I only know his first name, have some of his messages but no confession, and have no pictures of him. Is it even possible to anonymously report if he’s in the United States?

Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your experience with us. Reaching out for help - even anonymously - shows incredible courage. You're taking an important step, and I am happy to share some potential options with you as I understand them, although I am not a legal expert. 

Let me first affirm: what happened to you is not your fault. Groomers are skilled manipulators who deliberately build trust to exploit others. The fact that you only have limited information about this person - a first name and some messages - is very common and absolutely should not discourage you from reporting if that is the choice you would like to make.

When survivors ask about reporting with limited information, they often worry their report "isn't enough" or "won't make a difference." This may not be the case. Law enforcement and child protection agencies have extensive experience building cases from what might seem like small pieces of information. Every report helps create a more complete picture, as groomers often have multiple victims and patterns of behavior that can be connected through various reports. 

The primary reporting channel I recommend for your situation is Cybertip.ca, Canada's national tipline for reporting online exploitation. When you make an anonymous report, you'll receive a report number that lets you follow up if you choose to, while maintaining your privacy. The system is designed to protect your identity while still allowing for effective investigation.

For cross-border situations where the perpetrator is in the US, Cybertip.ca works closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the United States. These organizations have well-established protocols for handling international cases, so don't let the cross-border nature of the situation deter you.

If you prefer to report locally in Alberta, you have several options that prioritize your safety and anonymity:

• Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 (completely anonymous)
• Calgary Police Service: (403) 266-1234
• Edmonton Police Service: (780) 423-4567

Before making your report, try to gather what information you can, but please know that anything you have is valuable:

• Save screenshots or copies of messages
• Note any usernames or account names
• Record approximate dates of contact
• Write down which apps or platforms were used
• Document any mentions of locations, even vague ones
• Note any distinct patterns in how they communicated

Remember that investigators are trained to work with partial information. They can often uncover additional details through digital forensics that reveal IP addresses and account connections, pattern analysis of communication styles, links to other reports with similar characteristics, and technical data associated with messages and accounts.

Most importantly, please know that you deserve support through this process. While you can report anonymously, you don't have to go through this alone. Consider reaching out to a sexual assault support service - they can provide confidential guidance and even help you through the reporting process if you'd like. In Alberta, the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) has a toll-free support line (1-866-403-8000) as well as an online chatline.

If you have any questions or need assistance with reporting, don't hesitate to contact Cybertip.ca directly. They're there to help you every step of the way. Take things one step at a time. Making a report is a significant step, and it's okay to feel uncertain or anxious about it. You are not alone.