We appreciate that it can be unnerving for witnesses when we are preparing to take legal action against someone who has allegedly committed anti-social behaviour. We will do our best to provide appropriate and relevant support.
Where we require witnesses to attend court, we will explain fully what information will be shared to the parties and Court, and what is expected when the witness attends court. We will provide witnesses with support throughout these proceedings.
To support residents, we will work with Warwickshire County Council’s Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Services teams to meet the aims of our safeguarding strategies.
We will ensure that staff understand safeguarding issues and are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and know how to report their concerns to the appropriate department. All staff working on behalf of the Council, whether permanent or temporary, directly employed by the Council or a contractor, are expected to be vigilant for signs of abuse when visiting customers in their home and they should report their concerns in accordance with agreed policies and procedures.
In cases of repeat or vulnerable victims we will work with them to ensure that there is a support network to help them manage the situation. With permission, this can include referrals to Victim Support, ASB Help, health and wellbeing professionals and charities.
In the most serious of cases where there is an immediate risk to life that is supported by the Police, we can consider interim the appropriateness of offering interim accommodation and/or an emergency transfer.
Where there is a report of domestic abuse and the victim wishes to remain in their residential property, we will work with the Police and any domestic abuse organisations to request additional safety measures to be installed to secure the property. Referrals will also be offered to specialist charities such as Refuge and our Domestic Abuse Co- Ordinator.
Where there is a report of hate crime, we will work the Police and any supporting organisations to ensure the victim receives the necessary support.
It is also important to offer support to perpetrators of ASB to assist them to resolve problems on a longer-term basis. Where support is offered, with permission, referrals are made to health and wellbeing professionals and charities.
However, in some serious cases, we may proceed immediately with legal action without offering support, should the ASB be of a significantly serious nature.
Where a report of ASB involves someone under the age of 18, we will work closely with their parents or guardians, and with other appropriate agencies such as Police, Children’s Services, Youth Justice or the relevant educational setting to challenge their behaviour and try to prevent any further issues in the future.
