Victims of antisocial behaviour can get extra help and support as part of the Victim Support service that is being delivered across the Cannock Chase District.
Cannock Chase Council has teamed up with Staffordshire Victim Support to help witnesses and victims of antisocial behaviour whether or not they wish to report the issue to the authorities.
Victim Support
Victim Support is a national charity offering free, confidential support to people affected by antisocial behaviour in the Cannock Chase District. The service provides personal support from the Antisocial Behaviour Victim and Witness Champion and specially trained volunteers. They will also provide information from other organisations and specialists and support with mediation.
What is antisocial behaviour?
Antisocial behaviour (ASB) is defined as conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person (Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014). ASB covers a wide range of unacceptable activity which causes harm to an individual, to their community or to their environment. It also includes fear of crime or concern for public safety, public disorder or public nuisance.
Examples of antisocial behaviour:
- Nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours
- Vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting
- Street drinking/parties
- Environmental damage including littering, dumping of rubbish
- Prostitution related activity
- Begging
- Fireworks abuse
- Nuisance caused with motor vehicles
How can ASB affect people?
Everybody is different; victims and witnesses say they are affected with:
- Insomnia
- Feelings of anxiety and stress
- Fear for what may happen
- Not feeling safe at home and in the garden
- Depression and mood swings
- Intolerance towards family members, work colleagues, education
- Not wanting to go out/walk the dog
- Eating disorders
- Financial consequences (due to not being able to go to work)
- Health in general and increased mental health problems
- Constantly feeling of being on edge, high adrenaline levels
How to get in touch
If you are experiencing problems with ASB you can call the ASB Victims and Witnesses Champion (details below) for advice. Together you can work to find a solution for the problems. You should not suffer in silence; don’t let ASB ruin your life!
To speak to our local Antisocial Behaviour Victims and Witnesses Champion call Heleen Witte on 07872 131109 or email Heleen.Roebuck-Witte@victimsupport.org.uk
Don't suffer in silence!
Comments of a service user
“… she was the first person who actually sat down to listen to me. She was there for me whenever I called her, and she made me feel that my call was important and that I was not wasting anybody’s time. The police were brilliant in the end, because I gained trust in the system and started reporting what I had witnessed”.
Support with anti-social...
Last Updated: 29/07/2021