Introduction
As a charity that champions the victim’s voice, we are privileged to have many conversations with individuals with lived experience of anti-social behaviour. We know from reports such as that from the Victim’s Commissioner: Still Living a Nightmare, how important the ASB Case Review is for giving victims a voice.
Below is a first-hand account from an individual who accessed an ASB Case Review due to experiencing persistent anti-social behaviour. It is important to note that sometimes, ASB can be a result of an individual with complex needs not receiving appropriate care. In these cases, it is unfortunate that both parties suffer consequences.
What led you to apply for an ASB Case Review?
Me and my partner bought a semi-detached bungalow in July 2022. On the first morning we were woken up at 6am by our neighbour screaming, banging and crying in distress. We had no idea what was going on. Over the next few days, the disturbances became more frequent, happening at all hours of day and night, every single day.
We went round to our neighbour’s house and were greeted by two carers who explained that our neighbour was mentally disabled. They told us that the previous owners of our home had sold the house after 20 years due to the noise from this neighbour. It was clear that our neighbour was in an inappropriate setting for her care needs to be met.
We knew this was going to have a major effect on our lives, so we documented and logged incidents from day one.
We submitted complaints to the care agency that housed our neighbour, who told us that she had just moved in and was settling down (she actually moved in a year prior). We had dozens of meetings with the care agency, the NHS and local ASB team to try and resolve this issue. However, nearly a year later, the problem remained unsolved. So, we requested an ASB Case Review.
What impact did this ASB have on your life?
During the time, we could not escape it. We were sleep deprived. We tried ear plugs and noise cancelling earphones, but they didn’t help.
We couldn’t go a few hours without jumping out of our skin, due to loud crashing and banging. We could never relax; we were in a constant state of fear for what was to come.
“We were in a constant state of fight or flight.”
We had bought the bungalow so I could start a studio to expand my business, but I couldn’t do that for fear my clients would be harassed and feel unsafe.
I was often too overwhelmed, stressed, tired and anxious to concentrate on work, so I lost income and ended up being signed off work, causing financial worries. Me and my partner were both depressed and stressed, which added a heavy load to our relationship. We wanted to start a family, but there was no way a child could ever live in that environment, so our dream of having children was slipping away day by day.
Which agencies were involved in your case?
Leading up to the ASB Case Review, we contacted our local environmental health team, our neighbours care agency, our local ASB team, and the NHS.
I tried to get help from anyone that would listen. I sent out a load of emails, and then our local ASB team emailed back. It was the first time somebody actually listened and was actually concerned and wanted to help.
I was often too overwhelmed, stressed, tired and anxious to concentrate on work, so I lost income and ended up being signed off work, causing financial worries. Me and my partner were both depressed and stressed, which added a heavy load to our relationship. We wanted to start a family, but there was no way a child could ever live in that environment, so our dream of having children was slipping away day by day.
How did you learn about the ASB Case Review?
We didn’t learn about the ASB Case Review until about a year into experiencing the anti-social behaviour. It was through our local ASB team that we learned about it.
What was the outcome of the ASB Case Review?
At the ASB Case Review, me and my partner provided a victim impact statement explaining the impact that the situation had on our health and well-being. There were about 20 different practitioners at the review. They finally listened.
Thankfully, there were changes after a few days. Our neighbour was relocated to a home which would better meet her care needs.
What is something you wish victims knew about the ASB Case Review?
I didn’t know anything about the ASB Case Review. People experiencing ongoing anti-social behaviour should be made aware of the ASB Case Review. It can be a lifeline for people like me who are at rock bottom. It gives them hope.
Our thoughts
We often hear about cases like these which involve the individual perpetrating the ASB having complex care needs. This can sometimes make practitioners feel lost as they hesitate to use traditional ASB tools and powers to resolve the issue. In these cases, agencies have a duty of care to both the perpetrator and the victim of ASB. That is why it is vital that health agencies are involved, to ensure that both parties are supported appropriately.
If you are being impacted by anti-social behaviour, please get in touch for free advice.