- New Respect Orders will see anti-social behaviour repeat offenders subject to tough restrictions on their behaviour
- Breaching a Respect Order will carry the threat of being arrested and put behind bars
- Police to be given increased powers to clamp down on off road bikes and vehicles used in anti-social behaviour
Resolve are delighted to have been able to represent Resolve Members over the past 3-4 months, by working closely with the Home Office and colleagues across Government on the new powers being announced today by the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister.
We are particularly pleased that, with the introduction of the Respect Order, perpetrators of ASB could now be mandated to undertake positive rehabilitation, such as attending drug or alcohol treatment services, or an anger management course, to address the underlying cause(s) of their behaviour.
This means that today’s announcement will not only help to challenge behaviour, but will also drive a longer-term changing of behaviour - addressing some of the root causes of anti-social behaviour directly, which is something we have long been calling for.
We are therefore optimistic that the pilot will be successful and generally supportive of today's announcement. We do, however, continue to have concerns for victims whose lives are being devastated by their experience of anti-social behaviour. Many of these victims are afraid to go to their local shops or even leave their home at all.
Despite this, there is still a postcode lottery when it comes to supporting victims of anti-social behaviour, with funding for specialist victim support being provided at the discretion of the local Police and Crime Commissioner.
As such, there are many people who experience ASB on a daily basis who are still unable to access support. This is why we will continue to push for legislation that guarantees victims of persistent ASB access to specialist victim support, no matter where they live in the country.
You can see an overview of our five asks from ASB Awareness Week here.
And a copy of the Home Secretary's announcement here.
