Organisations across Cleveland are currently working on a charter to set minimum standards of service for victims of antisocial behaviour (ASB).
The Charter aims to protect residents’ right to feel safe in their own homes and communities.
As well as the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, the charter brings together other organisations such as local authorities, police and housing associations.
Victim’s Voice
It is designed as a commitment by organisations to work more closely together and to make sure the victim’s voice is at the heart of everything they do.
The charter will also set out the level of service victims can expect when they report ASB incidents.
The charter will be similar in format to the national Victims Code of Practice, which does not currently cover victims of ASB.
The Eight point plan
The charter centres on eight key points. They are:
- The right to be given information in an easy-to-understand way. The right to be given help, if necessary, for organisations to understand you.
- The right to have details of an incident recorded without reasonable delay
- The right to be referred to support services – and to have services tailored to your needs
- The right to be given information about any investigation or prosecution. Cases, with the greatest risk of harm, will be dealt with more quickly.
- The right to make a Victim Impact Statement to explain how incidents have affected you. The Statement will be considered by a judge or magistrates during sentencing. It will also help service providers consider what extra support you may need.
- The right to be given information about the outcome of any case or appeals. At the end of the case, you have the right to be given a summary of reasons for the decision, if available.
- The right to complain if your rights are not being met
- The right to ask for an Antisocial Behaviour Case Review. You can do this if you have reported the same ASB issue at least three times within the past six months