13 22nd annual crime prevention guide message from charlottetown’s chief of police This year marks the twenty-second anniversary for the PEI Police Association. Part of the work of the Association involves the production of an annual Crime Prevention/Awareness Guide. Each year, the guide provides educational materials and information which helps raise awareness and provides discussion points to an important issue facing our communities. This year, the guide focuses on the issue of Elder Abuse. This type of abuse can be described as actions that harm an older person or jeopardize a person’s health or welfare. It can occur in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust or where a person is in a position of power or authority. This form of abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, financial, sexual, or a denial of civil and human rights. (Financial abuse is considered the most common form of abuse of older adults.) Education and information are key components to empowering individuals and making our communities safer. It is our collective hope that those reading the guide will find the information to be timely and informative and that this information will foster positive discussion among family and friends. We can all play a role in reducing the incidence of elder abuse. Preventing elder abuse means doing things pro-actively: • Listening to seniors and their caregivers • Intervening when you suspect elder abuse • Educating others about how to recognize and report elder abuse The production of this guide is a proactive step to educate our community. These guides not only raise awareness on important issues, but also assist the Police Association in the efforts to fund and support very worthwhile projects within our Island communities. On behalf of the members and staff of the Charlottetown Police Services, I would like to congratulate the PEI Police Association for the production of this year’s Crime Prevention Guide, and wish you every success in the future. Yours truly, A. Paul Smith Chief of Police
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