The Crime and Disorder Act (1998) defines Anti-Social Behaviour as ‘Acting in a manner that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more person not of the same household as the perpetrator’.
It can also be defined as:
a) Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to a person;
b) Conduct capable of causing nuisance or annoyance to a person in relation to that person’s occupation or residential premises or;
c) Conduct capable of causing housing-related nuisance or annoyance to any person.
Although much is done to support our most vulnerable victims of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), a gap in provision in terms of direct support for victims of ASB where there are no associated crimes or where the main reason for referral is due to the impact of ASB. Local agencies including councils, housing providers and community police teams currently provide low level support to victims, although this differs across areas and is provided in the context of dual role which encompasses both the support and investigation of cases. Although this enables low level support to be provided, those identified as high risk and/or particularly vulnerable are not receiving more comprehensive tailored support that will assist in their ability to cope and recover.
This decision record form is therefore to approve additional funding to the Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS.)
Funding will increase capacity by recruiting two additional Victim Care Officers to enable these victims to be appropriately supported. Further information relating to this decision can be found in the attached report.