The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation into the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime: https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposed-changes-to-the-victims-code/
The MoJ says:
The Victims’ Code sets out the rights that victims of crime in England & Wales should receive. Under the code, all victims of crime – whether they choose to report it or not – are entitled to a range of support and information. To ensure the Code better meets victims’ needs, the MoJ is consulting on proposals which will give victims a louder voice in the process, ensure that they are better heard through their journey in the criminal justice system, and make sure they can access the support they need.
Victims of Anti-Social Behaviour
What about victims of anti-social behaviour? They do not even fall in the scope of the review. The Ministry of Justice works from the basis of it being only for victims of crime.
We would argue that being a victim of repeat, persistent anti-social behaviour can actually cause more distress and require more support than being a victim of some crimes. It is also a case that we all cope differently with both ASB and crime. As such the focus should be on the needs and vulnerabilities of the victim, not whether the behaviour they have been subjected to has crossed into the definition of crime.
At the very least, we would suggest that victims of anti-social behaviour who have requested an ASB multi-case review under the ASB Case Review, should be entitled to rights and support under the Victims’ Code.
We think it is unfair that funding to give victims practical and emotional support is ringfenced only for victims of crime. Let’s not forget that a victim of anti-social behaviour coming forward to receive emotional support may in fact lead to uncovering hidden crime from the ASB perpetrators. Timely support for victims of anti-social behaviour and an encouragement of early intervention techniques can also prevent crime from developing in the first place.
Get Involved in the Ministry of Justice consultation
We have made our voice heard in this Ministry of Justice consultation. We invite you to also. https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposed-changes-to-the-victims-code/ Deadline for contributions is 11 September 2019.
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Local council housing estates are breeding grounds for antisocial behaviour. There is no housing management, instead mobs are allowed to run estates. Landlords take no action against minority ethnics especially who are allowed to get away with the proverbial … The situation is so serious that it is the reason why we see such groups as the BNP and EDL flourishing. Innocent law-abiding prople, vulnerable groups especially, are having to absorb continuing targeted antisocial behaviour as they sit cowering in their homes. Victims are often turned into perpetrators and vice versa. ASB must be seen as a major contribution to mental health problems, and yet not taken seriously. I am now being victimised by my landlord for complaining about years and years of harassment, abuse, threatening and antisocial behaviour I have been subjected to causing a downward spiral in my health. I am 78 years of age and, a spinster, I live on my own. I suffer from CFS, stress, distress and depression, and often I feel I’m on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Nobody seems to care. It has to be an explosive issue before any action is taken.
For fear of reprisal from my landlord, I am seeking confidentiality under the GDPR.
We believe that anti-social behaviour does not discriminate and anyone can be the victim of it. Local Authorities, social landlords and the Police were given additional powers to address anti-social behaviour in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Within this legislation is your right to request a review of your case. This is know as a request for a ASB Case Review. This may be an option available to you and could offer resolution to your case. You can find about more about the ASB Case Review here: http://asbhelp-co-uk.stackstaging.com/community-trigger
I think the authorities seriously misunderstand and underestimate the effect that long term harassment can have on victims’ lives. Just because somebody is not brandishing a knife and threatening your life, that does not mean the effect of ASB is not devastating to victims. It’s an area that the police and councils struggle with. Surely everyone should be able to live free of abuse and harassment in this country? The new ASB legislation is not fit for purpose, and ministers have remained curiously silent, despite all the feedback they have been given on this