Seniors Abuse Awareness - Sensibilisation à la maltraitance des personnes âgées 69 protection program can help. Under this short term program, the Department can ask a court to make any order it considers appropriate to help you and do what is in your best interest. What happens to my financial affairs while I'm under the adult protection program? The adult protection program normally gives short term services until the risk of harm is over. However, if you need long term services, somebody may have to look after your financial affairs. If you have not made arrangements and have no one who is able to look after things for you, the Department can ask the Office of the Public Trustee to apply to act as your legal guardian or trustee to handle your financial matters. The Office of the Public Trustee of New Brunswick protects the financial and personal interests of the elderly, the mentally challenged, children, missing or deceased persons, when there is no one else able and willing to do so. ii. Police Is abuse or neglect against the law? All abuse and neglect is wrong! Some forms may also be offences under the Criminal Code. Examples include assault, sexual assault, threats, theft, fraud and criminal negligence. Can the police help me? The police can deal with complaints about assault, financial scams, theft of your belongings, money or pension cheques. They will also look into such things as vandalism, home break-ins, or harassment from people in your neighbourhood. The police may be able to tell you about programs to help keep you safe. Call your local police or RCMP. In an emergency dial 911. A police officer will come to investigate the crime. This may mean finding out if somebody committed a crime. The police will talk to you and anyone else who has evidence about the crime. What happens when the police find evidence of a crime? If a police officer finds enough evidence of a crime, he or she will consult with the Crown Prosecutor and decide whether to lay charges. Can the police help if my caregiver is abusing me? If you call the police because of abuse or neglect by a caregiver or someone you know, the police may call the Department of Social Development. They may decide to do an investigation together. If the police and the Department do a joint investigation, then a police officer and a social worker may interview you together. If the investigation shows the abuse or neglect is a Criminal Code offence, the police can charge the person. Will there be a trial? If the accused person pleads guilty, there will not be a trial. He or she will be sentenced and you do not have to be there. However, if the accused pleads not guilty, there will be a trial. You may have to go to court as a witness. Will I get help if there is a trial? If you are a victim of a violent crime, including abuse and neglect, the Department of Public Safety, Victim Services Program will help you during the trial. You can also learn about: • your rights and responsibilities • what is happening • the court's decision • answers to your questions • referrals to support services and counselling • financial assistance in emergency circumstances • special aids to help vulnerable victims of crime testify in court
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