Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 113 abuse by a family member, such as a spouse or adult child. This law also applies to people living with a caregiver. Under this law a Justice of the Peace or Judge of the Court of Queen's Bench may make certain orders aimed at protecting victims from their abusers. • An Emergency Intervention Order may provide immediate, exclusive occupation of a home; direct police to remove an abuser from the home; direct the police to supervise the removal of personal belongings from the home; or prohibit an abuser from contacting the victim. Police, Victims Services, First Nations' Community Case Workers and Mobile Crisis Services can help victims apply for an emergency intervention order. • A Victim's Assistance Order is designed to be used in non-emergency situations. In addition to the remedies listed above, an order may require the abuser to pay compensation to the victim or attend counselling. An order may also prohibit an abuser from dealing with a victim's property. These orders are issued by the court. A lawyer can assist with getting one of these orders. If the victim is of limited means they may be able to get a lawyer through Legal Aid. • Lastly, a Warrant of Entry may be issued where there is concern about a person who may be a victim and unable to act on their own.The warrant permits police to enter and search a place after access to a possible victim has been denied. A warrant allows police to examine or help a possible victim and remove them from the home if necessary. If there is a situation where a warrant of entry may be needed the police should be contacted. Additionally, other Saskatchewan laws include some safeguards to protect people including older adults from different types of abuse. For example, people who are paid to provide personal care or health care services for someone, or individuals who are an undischarged bankrupt, cannot be granted authority to deal with the person's affairs under a power of attorney.There are also provisions and safeguards in place to protect adults from granting a power of attorney to someone who has a criminal record for offences involving violence, threats, theft, fraud or breach of trust. Similar restrictions are in place to prevent certain individuals from acting as guardians or co-decision-makers. Special consumer protection legislation is in place to regulate marketing practices for things like the sale of hearing aids and door-to-door sales, as well as a variety of other transactions. While consumer protection legislation protects all consumers, many provisions will be of particular interest to older adults, other vulnerable individuals, and caregivers. Laws and regulations are also in place that set standards related to caring for older adults in personal care homes and long-term care facilities. Most facilities will also have written policies in place regarding residents' rights, their care and treatment, expectations for staff and complaint procedures. Who Are the Victims? Older victims of abuse often know the people who hurt them. Many victims are dependent on their abusers for food, shelter, transportation, personal care or companionship. Many victims live in their own homes or with relatives. Others live in assisted-living complexes, private care homes and long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Many older victims of abuse in the community are mentally competent and do not need constant care. Those victims who have mental or physical disabilities Continued on page 115...
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