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Addressing Anti-social behaviour
At the SVI Open Meeting on the 19 March 08, Emma from Sandwell Council gave a talk on the work of Sandwell Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Unit.
Emma stated that behaviour referred to as “hate crime” against people with disabilities is widespread. Visually impaired people are often targeted, as it is believed that they would not be able to recognise the perpetrator, allowing them to escape prosecution. Emma pointed out that there were solutions to this, even including the use of concealed cctv cameras in the victim’s property.
Anyone who is a tenant of Sandwell Homes can report an anti-social behaviour (ASB) problem to their Housing office and they will be referred to the ASB unit. In the early stages mediation is sometimes used to find a way forward, but if this does not work and all other possible remedies tried, as a last resort possession proceedings can be instituted and the perpetrator made homeless.
In the case of some-one in their own property, anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) or injunctions can be used which can for example, ban the perpetrator from the street where the victim lives.
Emma highlighted the value of community support, for example SVI supporting a visually impaired person who is a victim of hate crime. Friendly reconciliation between the parties to the ASB might help but experience showed limited success.
Emma urged everyone to report any anti-social behaviour and not to suffer in silence. It’s only by highlighting it that we can measure the impact of ASB and deal with the culprits.
The ASB call line is:
0845-359-7500 open until 8 pm.
Help is available; it’s up to us to make use of it!
Mary Howe
Secretary SVI
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