Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 119 If you suspect abuse by a doctor it can be reported to... College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (306) 244-7355 (Saskatoon) 1-800-667-1668 (toll free) www.quadrant.net/cpss If you suspect abuse of a Power of Attorneyit can be reported to... Public Guardian and Trustee of Saskatchewan| (306) 787-5424 (Regina) 1-877-787-5424 (toll free) www.justice.gov.sk.ca/pgt If you suspect consumer fraud or unfair business practices contact... Consumer Protection Branch (306) 787-5550 (Regina) 1-888-374-4636 (toll free) www.justice.gov.sk.ca/cpb What Do Older Victims of Abuse Need? Sometimes people assume that older adults are not mentally competent because they have certain physical or mental limitations, so it is important to consider first whether the older person is capable of making their own choices.The goal of helping a victim of abuse is to leave them with more power, not less. Victims need the abuse and neglect to stop. They need safety, shelter and access to their financial resources. They need support services so they do not need to be dependent on an abuser. These services may include housing options, emotional support, counselling and other links to the community. Victims may need information about the justice system. In particular, they may need to know where to go for help, what is likely to happen to the abuser and what impact it may have on them. No one deserves to be abused or neglected. Support, education and legal remedies are available. What Can the Police Do? Abuse of older adults may involve crimes such as assault, sexual assault, forced confinement, uttering threats and extortion. Neglect may also amount to criminal negligence if the behaviour involves a reckless disregard for another person's life or safety. The police can investigate reports of abuse and neglect. If there is evidence of a crime, the police may charge an abuser. The Crown Prosecutor, a government lawyer, will decide whether to proceed with the charge based on the evidence available. Victims are not responsible for the arrest or prosecution of the abuser. Many victims are concerned about what will happen to the abuser when the police are called. Victims can ask the police or Crown Prosecutor for information about the criminal justice system and what might happen to the abuser. If the accused person pleads guilty or is found guilty at a trial, the court will determine the sentence. The type of sentence depends on the seriousness of the offence, including the specific circumstances of the case. Sentences for criminal offences include... • absolute or conditional discharge (the person is found guilty but there is no sentence, and no criminal record results) • suspended sentence (the person must follow certain conditions for a specified period of time) • fines or imprisonment Continued on page 121...
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