Monday, March 21, 2011

Scheme to help victims of anti-social behaviour

People suffering at the hands of yobs can now get the same support as victims of muggings and other crimes.

In a pilot scheme being run in Melton, victims of anti-social behaviour will be offered help by the Victim Support service.

It is hoped it will help prevent a repeat of cases like Barwell mum Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her disabled daughter Francecca in 2007, after suffering years of abuse from youths.

A �5,000 year-long pilot scheme funded by the Safer Melton Partnership will allow police and Melton Borough Council to offer support to about 150 victims.

An individual log of complaints made by each victim will be kept – meaning they do not have to go through their history every time they ring up.

Council community safety officer Kevin Quinn said: "Anti-social behaviour has a bigger effect on people's lives than petty crime.

"This scheme will give the emotional support they need as victims. Victim Support will talk to them and encourage them to report it, give them a voice and emotional support."

The scheme was developed after a series of meetings held with victims in Melton, who had been identified as in need of help by beat bobbies.

Melton police commander Inspector John Gray said: "The nature of their vulnerability meant some didn't want to attend meetings, but others came to share their experiences.

"If people have no support they find it very debilitating."

Chairman of the Safer Melton Partnership, Councillor Pam Posnett, said: "Victims of anti-social behaviour often feel isolated, they don't think it's happening to anybody else.

"This will be a great benefit and they won't have to keep re-telling their story to different people."



Source: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/32715/f/503348/s/1381d3f3/l/0L0Sthisisleicestershire0O0Cnews0CScheme0Ehelp0Evictims0Eanti0Esocial0Ebehaviour0Carticle0E33520A290Edetail0Carticle0Bhtml/story01.htm

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