We are so pleased to announce the launch of our Your Voice, Your Right campaign which will run from 28th October to 10th November.
On the back of our Freedom of Information (FOI) Report: The ASB Case Review – the victims’ voice or a box-ticking exercise?, the Victim Commissioners’ Report: Still Living a Nightmare, and HMICFRS’s PEEL report we have launched this campaign to raise awareness of the ASB Case Review, and encourage practitioners to use best practices when conducting ASB Case Reviews.
As part of our campaign research, we conducted a mixture of surveys and interviews with almost 50 victims and practitioners. We have also taken into consideration the feedback we get from enquirers to our charity.
The resulting qualitative and quantitative data suggests that:
- Victims feel the ASB Case Review process is not clear or transparent when they lack communication from practitioners.
- Victims feel that the ASB Case Review is not fair when an independent chair is not used.
- Victims with positive experiences of the ASB Case Review note best practices as key factors for this outcome e.g. they were invited to give a victim impact statement.
- Practitioners generally agree that the ASB Case Review is a vital tool but is most effective when agencies use best practices and partnership working.
Given this data, we believe it is vital to collectively raise awareness of the ASB Case Review and celebrate the impact it can have on victims’ lives when used in best practice.
“As the charity that supports victims of ASB on a daily basis, we hear about the devastating impact that ASB is having on them and their families. Many feel there is little support for them and are often living in fear, not knowing where to turn or how to ask for help. That’s why this campaign, ‘Your Voice, Your Right’, is so important. It is imperative that we raise awareness of the ASB Case Review, encourage practitioners to embrace it and empower victims to utilise it.”
– Harvi Saimbhi, CEO ASB Help
“I know from my day-to-day national portfolio of trying to lead and coordinate and improve policing’s response to ASB up and down the country – The ASB case review is going to be a key part of how we do even better, more often.”
– Deputy Chief Constable Essex, Andrew Prophet
“All too often, the Case Review feels like a mere box-ticking exercise to victims, allowing authorities to ‘mark their own homework’. This was made painfully clear by hundreds of anti-social behaviour victims in my recent report.
For the Case Review to be a force for good, victims, not just authorities, need and deserve a seat at the table — an opportunity to describe the impact of their ordeal and for authorities to really listen.
The Case Review needs meaningful victim engagement and strengthened independence. It should bring victims — no matter where they live — some resolve, whilst improving agencies’ understanding of ASB and support to victims. Only then will the Case Review deliver on its promise to victims and make our communities safer.”
– Victims Commissioner, Dr Baroness Helen Newlove
So, as part of our campaign, we will be:
- Sharing first-hand accounts from victims of anti-social behaviour.
- Sharing first-hand accounts and advice from practitioners in the ASB field, including DCC Andrew Prophet and Dr Baroness Helen Newlove.
- Sharing video input from victims and practitioners.
- Hosting webinars for victims and practitioners.
- Releasing blogs detailing victim’s rights and best practices regarding the ASB Case Review.
- Providing free resources for organisations to raise awareness of the ASB Case Review.
Join us in raising awareness of the ASB Case Review! Download our free social media graphics below. Tag us and use the hashtag: #YourVoiceYourRight
A special thank you goes out to the victims and practitioners that have collaborated with us on this campaign. We will continue to champion the victim’s voice and support those experiencing ASB the best we can.