PEI Safer Communities Framework

What is the PEI Safer Communities Framework

The PEI Safer Communities Framework outlines goals and strategies for working together for community safety and well-being in Prince Edward Island. The framework helps each to see beyond our professional, personal, or workplace focus and how we link to the big picture. The Safer Communities Framework looks at risk factors that can lead to crime and victimization and protective factors that can lead to safety and well-being for all.

Risk Factors are problems and include alcohol and drug abuse, poverty or poor living conditions, no jobs, low literacy or education, difficult early childhood experiences, physical and sexual abuse, family stress and neglect.

Protective Factors are strengths and include personal skills, having enough money, respect in community, employment and working conditions, education and literacy, healthy child development, and social support. Protective factors are influenced by gender and culture. These are the same factors that keep us healthy.

The Framework can help us to assess problems and strengths, and facilitate partnerships. For example, the enforcement role of police links with improving social conditions that address root causes of crime. Stopping crime and improving social conditions are both needed for safer communities. The Framework can also help partners to generate knowledge to improve policy and practice.