What the government's 'Plan for Change' means for anti-social behaviour
Over the past few weeks it has been very encouraging to see an ongoing focus on anti-social behaviour. With the recent announcements from the Home Office regarding neighbourhood policing guarantee, and the trial and introduction of Respect Orders, we are pleased that proactive steps are being taken to address prolific and deeply entrenched ASB in our communities.
Today’s speech from the Prime Minister, in his own words, “doubles down” on those pledges made in Labour’s manifesto, and their ‘Plan for Change‘. ASB is a scourge on a peaceful, respectful way of life, and all too often is brushed off as ‘low level’, or trivial. However, it devastates lives, and leaves a lasting impact on communities.
Victims repeatedly tell us they do not feel safe in their own homes, and they do not know who to turn to or even if they will be listened to. No one should EVER feel that way.
Management of ASB requires a multi-agency approach, with police, local authorities and housing providers working together with other experts to tackle the problem.
The pledge previously made and reinforced today as one of the government’s key milestones, of 13,000 Police Officers being channelled into neighbourhood policing, is a welcomed one. Victims deserve to know who they can talk to, they deserve continuity and an empathetic response and we hope that these new steps will reaffirm that confidence in our community safety teams.
ASB Help’s Chief Executive Officer, Harvinder Saimbhi was at Pinewood Studios this morning for the Prime Minister’s speech and says:
“Hearing the Prime Minister speak first-hand about the six key milestones this morning has given us further hope for the recognition of anti-social behaviour as a national priority. The neighbourhood policing guarantee, specifically the increase in neighbourhood officers, and named officers as a point of contact within communities will give great reassurance to victims. Victims who too often have to repeat reports to different officers and agencies and chase progress on their cases. Having dedicated, appropriately trained Police Officers who will be able to respond quickly, will support victims and community needs.
Over the years we have campaigned for specialist ASB officers and I am glad to see we are heading in the right direction. However, we must ensure these officers are not redeployed to other areas of policing as we have seen in the past.”
If you are being impacted by anti-social behaviour and don’t know where to turn, please get in touch
Respect Orders to tackle anti-social behaviour
ASB Help welcomes today’s announcement from the Home Office on the trial and introduction of Respect Orders. Anti-social behaviour continues to have a devastating impact on victims and communities across England and Wales. We are keen to see how this new power will be implemented and the effect it will have on the issues faced by victims across the country.
Following the Home Secretary’s announcement of major policing reforms, the Home Office has announced their plans to bring in new Respect Orders which will “subject repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour to tough restrictions on their behaviour”.
Here are the take aways from the Home Office’s announcement:
- Respect Orders will give police the power to ban persistent offenders from town centres, or from drinking in public spots.
- Perpetrators can be required to address the root cause of their behaviour e.g. via drug/alcohol treatment; similar to positive requirements seen under injunctions currently.
- Unlike injunctions, breaching a Respect Order will be a criminal offence – police will have the ability to immediately arrest anybody breaching their Respect Order.
- As well as prison sentences of up to two years, criminal courts will also be able to issue unlimited fines and community orders, such as unpaid work, and curfews as punishment for breaching a Respect Order.
- Police will have stronger powers to seize vehicles involved in ASB, no longer requiring to issue a warning before seizing the vehicle(s), including off-road bikes and dangerous e-scooters on pavements.
In response to this announcement, our CEO, Harvi, states:
“As the national charity that supports victims of anti-social behaviour, we regularly hear from victims who share with us the impact and harm they experience from repeated incidents of ASB. The lack of response from agencies leaves victims with little hope that the offenders will be dealt with robustly. Therefore, we are encouraged by the approach of addressing root causes of anti-social behaviour which will in turn work towards reducing reoffending rates, bringing respite to victims and communities.
It is important that the trial of Respect Orders is implemented effectively through comprehensive training which will give confidence to both the police and councils on how to use the new power.
It is vital that appropriate resources are provided to the key agencies who will provide the services, for offenders to undertake positive rehabilitation, such as attending drug or alcohol treatment services, or an anger management course to address the underlying causes of their behaviour.
We must also ensure there is robust monitoring and review of the Respect Orders during the trial period as we must get this right.
There must be a balanced approach to both dealing with persistent ASB in town centres and with those victims that face persistent ASB within their homes. The Respect Orders will complement the current tools and powers, and we look forward to their full implementation. We hope this will promote national consistency so that every victim, regardless of where they live in England and Wales, can feel confident that their ASB will be taken seriously and dealt with.”
Our Deputy CEO, Charlie, appeared on Sky News this morning to discuss these new powers:
ASB Awareness Week 2024
We want to highlight ASB Awareness Week this year by providing a wealth of information for practitioners and victims, in hopes of improving outcomes for victims of anti-social behaviour.
A few weeks ago, we launched our Your Voice Your Right campaign to raise awareness of the ASB Case Review. We want to highlight and continue this conversation to ensure it is not forgotten.
The daily themes for ASB Awareness Week 2024 are as follows:
Monday 18th – Partnership Day
Tuesday 19th – Victim’s Day
Wednesday 20th – “Let’s Talk ASB” Day
Thursday 21st – Community Heroes Day
Friday 22nd – Young People’s Day
Saturday 23rd – ASB and Health Day
Sunday 24th – Community Action Day
Each day we will be releasing videos, blogs, and/or case studies to raise awareness of anti-social behaviour and highlight good practice.
Please feel free to use any of the resources below to raise awareness of the ASB Case Review and best practices when conducting them.
Your Voice Your Right campaign launch
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.
Our new report shows how victims are being let down by ASB Case Reviews
- Nearly half of local areas (44%) do not give victims the opportunity to attend the initial hearing of the ASB Case Review. Statutory guidance states that relevant bodies should always consider inviting the victim to attend a section of the case review meeting.
- Most local areas adhered to the criteria of three incidents reported in a six- month period. However, 27 out of the 230 areas also had additional caveats in order for a victim to meet the threshold – these caveats are not suggested in the statutory guidance and include such stipulations as the case must be closed or must not have been reported through diary sheets.
- In 62 out of the 230 responding areas, there was only 2 ways in which the ASB Case Review could be applied for. Interestingly, for 14% of those areas they had received no ASB Case Review applications.
We are really dismayed to see a lack of victims voice in the ASB Case Review process - as well as caveats added to whether someone can apply for a Case Review. To change this we want to see the below:
- All victims must be invited to attend for the first part of their ASB Case Review, so they have an opportunity to tell key agencies about the impact and harm the ASB has caused them.
- The threshold for the ASB Case Review, which is defined in the statutory guidance as making three (or more) qualifying complaints in a six-month period, must be made the legal threshold.
- ASB Case Reviews should be widely promoted and accessible to victims to submit an application by offering a range of online and offline opportunities to access the process and preferably a named contact.
- All ASB Case Reviews should have an independent chair, and this should be made a ‘requirement’ rather than a ‘recommendation’ in the statutory guidance.
- The appeals process for the ASB Case Review should be reformed and written into the statutory guidance, to bring about consistent practice for appeals across England and Wales.
We also want to see the Victims and Prisoners Bill do more for victims of anti-social behaviour and support the amendment being tabled by Lord Russell of Liverpool this week, as well as all the work Victims' Commissioner Baroness Newlove is doing to ensure victims of anti-social behaviour are recognised and supported.
While we continue our fight for victims to be heard - take a read of the report and let us know what you think!
ASB Awareness Week 2023- "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS"
This week (3rd - 9th July 2023) is ASB Awareness Week, with the theme 'Know Your Rights' and here at ASB Help we will be marking the week with lots of activities- including webinars, visits to schools and top tips!
Last year, there were 1.8 million reported incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in England and Wales, with 40% of adults experiencing it in their local area - increasing from 27% in the last five years, (Crime Survery for England and Wales, 2022).
With this level of ASB, it has never been more important for victims to #KnowTheirRights, which is the theme for the week. Victims of ASB can get all the information they need about how to report anti-social behaviour and their rights throughout our website.
Keep your eye on our Twitter (@ASBHelp), LinkedIn and Facebook (ASB Help) to find out what we are doing and to get more information and top tips on your rights. We will also be asking questions each day to increase people's knowledge and awareness.
"It's never been more important for victims of anti-social behaviour to be recognised and supported. This ASB Awareness Week, we will be working hard to shout about victim's rights, and raise awareness of where they can turn to for help and support"- ASB Help Team.
If you do feel that you need further advice or clarification on your rights after reading through our website and social media channels, please take a look at how to contact us and other support organisations here.
Government's Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan - March 2023
Following the Government's launch of their 'Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan' on 27th March 2023, the ASB Case Review has now been re-named as the 'ASB Case Review'. We will be working through our website to amend the terminology over the coming weeks. Alongside the launch of the action plan, there has been a consultation opened on CSPs (Community Safety Partnerships) and anti-social behaviour tools & powers and their role in tackling anti-social behaviour. As per the Gov website 'This consultation is open to the public and targeted to those with experience working in, or with, Community Safety Partnerships , as well as those with interest in anti-social behaviour powers.' Follow this link to further information on the consultation and how to respond.
You can hear more from ASB Help about the Government's new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan on Wednesday 26th April 2023 at 9.30am, where our Practitioner Support Manager will be a panel member for Janine Green's online, roundtable discussion 'Debating the ASB Action Plan'. Click here for further details and to sign up!
ASB Victim Focus Group Recruitment- We want to hear from you!
We would like to add to our existing Victim Focus Group, to help us with our work by giving us your perspective on many topics within the ASB field.
Have you been a victim of Anti Social Behaviour? Do you have personal experience of the ASB Case Review Process?
We want to hear from you!
We believe that the best people to support our work are those who have experienced ASB first hand. We are involved in a wide range of projects across England and Wales ranging from legislative consultation, training and advice for practitioners to campaigning for victims rights and lobbying for change.
Your input could be invaluable in giving us the victims perspective on many ASB discussions.
Please get in touch with us at admin@asbhelp-co-uk.stackstaging.com
ASB Help Featured on Panorama
ASB Help were featured on BBC Panorama on 24th January 2022 which sought to raise aware of the scale of ASB that is continuing to occur up and down the country and promote the ASB Case Review (ASB Case Review). If you missed it, please see the following link:
Panorama, Anti-Social Behaviour: Afraid In My Own Home: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0013w6h via @bbciplayer
Unfortunately, as there is no quantitative data held nationally on the use of all the tools and powers introduced by the ASB Crime and Policing Act 2014, we can only rely on the qualitative data we obtain from ASB victims who contact us and from practitioners in the field. So we are unable to establish how widely the tools and powers are being used.
It is clear to say, however, there is a lot of good practice out there and a lot of ASB is nipped in the bud early and addressed by non-legal tools such as mediation, restorative justice, warning letters, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts or Neighbourhood Agreements for example. However, there are cases that slip through the net and some victims continue to suffer from ASB for an unnecessary amount of time.
The ASB Case Review (also known as the ASB Case review) is an ASB victim's statutory right to request a review of their case where persistent ASB is reported and they believe there are further actions available to resolve the matter. The minimum threshold to raise the community trigger is 3 incidents in the proceeding 6 months before the trigger was activated all of which need to have been reported to the housing association (if relevant), local authority or police and have caused harassment, alarm or distress.
The process of the review encourages a problem-solving approach aimed at dealing with some of the most persistent, complex cases of anti-social behaviour and be able to look at the case in a holistic manner and take a joined up, problem-solving approach to find a solution for the victim.
Consideration should always be given on how victims can best express the impact that the ASB has had on their lives.
Agencies should always consider inviting the victim to attend a section of the case review meeting to help all members of the panel understand the level of harm and impact.
Panorama highlighted that 1 in 5 local authorities that responded to their Freedom of Information request (195 in total responded) had not completed any ASB Case Review review hearings. These statistics demonstrate that further work is still required to improve and promote the community trigger process and ensure it does not remain a postcode lottery.
Our aim at ASB Help is to raise awareness of this tool and ensure the victims' voice is heard and to work with practitioners to ensure best practice is followed by the agencies administering the process:
- We give advice on the community trigger process to victims
- We signpost the victim to their local CT process if they are not able to do so themselves or don’t know how to
- We work with practitioners to improve service delivery. As part of this we have introduced an ASB PLEDGE which is designed to encourage national consistency in the administration of the community trigger, assist practitioners in working to models of best practice as well as fulfil parliament’s intention to provide victims with a safety net to reduce the harm of ASB
We are calling out to all authorities involved in the ASB Case Review process (whether you are a housing association, local authority or police) to get in touch and sign up to our pledge, to demonstrate your commitment to placing the victim at the heart of tackling ASB and move towards setting national good practice and standards in relation to the ASB Case Review.
Derbyshire launch an ASB Hub
Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Police have today launched the Derbyshire ASB Hub to coincide with ASB Awareness Week (19th-25th July).
This online resource is accessed via a link – Derbyshire ASB Hub.
The ASB hub is now permanently available, and will be invaluable in providing information on how anti social behaviour is addressed, how to report it, and what support is available to you.
You can find information on the different partner agencies within Derbyshire who work together to tackle anti social behaviour within your communities, and useful links to their specific websites.
This is a fantastic tool for victims to access for advice and guidance as it is clear, accessible, and easy to navigate.
ASB Help is very proud of the work we have done with Safer Derbyshire, who are raising the bar in the Midlands in the way they approach and tackle anti social behaviour.
We are thrilled partners in Derbyshire have recently taken The ASB Help Pledge, and continue to put victims at the heart of what they do.