Anti-Social Behaviour - Supporting victims

10. Supporting Victims of Anti-Social Behaviour and Witnesses

We recognise that the success of our policies depends heavily upon the confidence that complainants and witnesses have in the Council to support them. All reports of harassment are taken seriously and the safety of residents and their households come first.

• Women reporting sexual harassment or domestic abuse will be offered an interview with a female member of staff if preferred
• An interpreter will be arranged if required
• If you cannot visit the Shepway Housing Centre, you can contact us by telephone, through a third party and an appointment to visit you at your home can usually be arranged
• All reports of harassment will be treated as strictly confidential
• Action will not be taken against the perpetrator without consent
• Any urgent repairs to council properties as a result of anti-social behaviour will be carried out as soon as possible, including graffiti removal
• We will assess your home environment
• We can install a Lifeline (emergency call system)
• We can refer you to Victim Support, an independent voluntary organisation that can provide you with emotional and practical support
• We can refer you to Shepway Independent Mediation Service who are also a voluntary organisation that specialises in dealing with neighbour disputes
• We can refer you to a range of housing related support providers that can assist you to continue to live independently and comply with your conditions of tenancy.
• Your Housing Officer will maintain regular contact with you during the investigation of the case

In the most serious cases we may be able to re-house you or place you in temporary accommodation, where the Police agree with this course of action.

Sections - 11 to 14...