Support For Victims And Witnesses
Whatever action is taken to tackle the problem, staff will ensure that those suffering as a result of the anti-social behaviour are supported and kept informed of progress until the case is concluded.
Should Court action proceed, we will provide support by way of:
- Providing a full explanation into the impact of any legal proceedings and decisions.
- Emotional support by way of regular telephone calls and/or visits.
- Offering translation services for witnesses where appropriate.
- Referral to the Witness Support Service, which has access to a range of further support services.
- Agree post-hearing support between the agencies and witnesses after any Court hearing.
- Transport to and from the Court and practical advice and emotional support throughout the day of the hearing.
- Close liaison with other agencies involved, including the Police, to ensure a consistent approach.
- Offering a Professional Witness service in cases where the person experiencing anti-social behaviour may not wish to give evidence in Court. We believe that the most effective way of tackling anti-social behaviour is to work in partnership with other agencies. This enables problems to be approached from several different angles and sustainable solutions to be achieved.
We have set up the Winchester Housing & Community Safety Partnership (WHCSP), which is attended by the Police and other housing providers within the district. All members are signed up to an Information Exchange and Disclosure Protocol which is an agreement permitting us to share information which may help to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime. The WHCSP links into the Community Safety Partnership which was established further to requirements set down in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and placed a duty on Local Authorities and the Police to form partnerships and develop strategies to tackle Crime and Disorder.
The principle objectives of the Community Safety Strategy 2002- 2005 are to increase further the feeling of community safety in all areas of the district.
To do this, action will be taken to:
- Tackle anti-social behaviour
- Continue to address the problem of domestic violence.
The City Council strives to continue to work to prevent, tackle and combat anti-social behaviour in a consistent manner, and to ensure that as your Landlord you have the right to live free from anti-social behaviour. Please let us know if you would like any of the information on this website translated into another language, or made available in a large print or audio format.
