Government must ensure that victims really are ‘put first’ as part of new antisocial behaviour proposals, says Victim Support
Published: 22 May 2012
- Date:
- 22 May 2012
Helen and Hannah were victims of antisocial behavioiur
Responding to the White Paper Putting victims first: more effective responses to antisocial behaviour, Victim Support today welcomed the Government's commitment to ensure that victims will help to shape how the problem is tackled.
But the charity has also expressed some serious concerns about the proposals, and has urged the Government to meet its commitment of placing victims at the heart of new laws.
Javed Khan, Chief Executive of Victim Support said:
“We welcome steps to put victims at the heart of plans to tackle anti social behaviour. Victim Support knows from working with one million victims a year that this so called ‘low level’ crime blights lives and shatters communities.
“However, victims deserve to be taken seriously as soon as they make a report to the police. Waiting until a similar incident has been reported three times or by five people is not good enough.
“We hope that the new the Criminal Behaviour Order will deliver the rapid response for victims that is needed. But just dishing out the orders won’t be enough. If the Government really wants to put victims first tough enforcement and follow up will be required, to avoid making the CBO an empty sanction.
“Furthermore, government plans to change funding arrangements may mean that some antisocial behaviour victims get no help or support at all in the future. We urge the Government to guarantee that all victims of crime get the help and support they need to move on with their lives.”