Support for victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour
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Victims of anti-social behaviour in Newcastle now have someone to turn to for support and help, thanks to a new Victims’ Champion.
Newcastle’s Victims’ Champion, Janet Kidwell, will make it easier for local people to get the help and information they need if they are affected by anti-social behaviour.
As well as emotional support, she will also offer practical help and information, from a listening ear to helping them if cases go to court, something people often find difficult and frightening.
Based within Victim Support Newcastle branch, this new role is supported by Safe Newcastle, a partnership that includes Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police and others who work together to make our city a safer one. The funding for this post is part of the Home Office's Justice Seen Justice Done programme.
Janet has worked as a community volunteer with Victim Support for a number of years so has a lot of experience in helping victims of crime. She is now looking forward to her new challenge, as she explains:
“Anti-social behaviour can be a real worry for people who live in Newcastle, as it is across the country. People are often worried about reporting problems and any comeback this may cause.
“People shouldn’t put up with anti-social behaviour but sometimes they don’t know who to turn to. I can help them and guide them through what can sometimes be a difficult and stressful experience.
As well as working with victims, the Victims’ Champion will work closely with the police, the council and other agencies to make sure that residents get a faster and better response to anti-social behaviour, people know what to expect from agencies and that there is extra support for vulnerable people such as the elderly or people with disabilities.
“Standing up to anti-social behaviour can take courage and it can be very difficult to go to court and give evidence against someone who you may live next door to. I am here to ensure that people are supported and they are not on their own when dealing with anti-social behaviour.”
Cllr. Anita Lower, Chair of Safe Newcastle understands the problems that anti-social behaviour causes local people. She says
“Anti-social behaviour has been one of the main concerns of local people in Newcastle for a number of years now.
“In this city we do not tolerate it and through the work of Safe Newcastle there is a lot of work underway to tackle it.
“Anti-social behaviour is anything that makes people feel unsafe, from young people hanging round on street corners to vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting.
“I am delighted the people of this city now have someone like Janet to help them and make the process of getting help much simpler. The Victims’ Champion is a very welcome addition to the good work that is already going on”.
Where to get help in Newcastle:
Victim Support +Tel: 0845 277 0977
8am to 8pm, Mon to Fri
To report anti-social behaviour
Neighbourhood Helpline:
Tel:0300 1000 101
Northumbria Police
Tel: 03456 043043
To report an non emergency incident
HASBET (Your Homes Newcastle Housing Anti-Social Behaviour and Enforcement Team)
Tel: 0191 2788740
Email:newcastleasbunit@yhn.org.uk
Website:www.yhn.org.uk
In emergencies always call 999
