devoted to increasing awareness about the issue.

Glenda Edwards of Family Services said there would be several events to mark April as Child Abuse Prevention month.

"Yes, it is certainly on the increase,'' Mrs. Edwards said. "Child abuse is a problem, it's increasing and it costs this community a great deal to intervene later on and try to treat victims of child abuse.'' And she pointed out that 40 percent of sexual offenders were abused themselves.

"Let's try to do what we can to prevent and the way that you prevent is you support families and you also mentor and nurture children,'' Mrs. Edwards said. "Everyone in the community has a part to play.'' "We decided as part of our prevention strategy we would focus largely on April,'' she said.

Under the theme, `Nurturing Families, Planting the Seed for Future Generations', posters promoting community awareness will be displayed around the Island.

And Mrs. Edwards said the Women's Resource Centre would be operating a parent hotline for the month of April.

The hot line number is 295-3882 and it will operate from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

during the month.

This week, 40 agencies and groups concerned with children, teens and families will join forces to present a Community Fair at the City Hall beginning today at noon.

Police's role: Living, Page 25