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Chamber and committees

Impact of Unresolved Anti-social Behaviour on Victims

  • Submitted by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats.
  • Date lodged: Tuesday, 08 October 2024
  • Motion reference: S6M-14787

That the Parliament notes with concern the findings of the report Still Living a Nightmare: Understanding the Experiences of Victims of Anti-Social Behaviour, which has been published by Baroness Newlove and which highlights the severe impact of unresolved anti-social behaviour on victims across the UK; understands that victims frequently experience harassment, intimidation and other forms of anti-social behaviour, with 63% of respondents stating that they have persistently faced such behaviour despite reporting it to the police; recognises from the report that unresolved anti-social behaviour can lead to significant mental health issues, with some victims reporting anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts as a result of living in fear within their own homes; notes that 83% of victims surveyed reported their experiences to the authorities, but that many feel that their cases have been downplayed or ignored, leaving them trapped in unsafe environments; commends the Silent Crime campaign for raising awareness of what it believes are these often overlooked issues, and believes that more must be done to ensure that victims of anti-social behaviour receive the support and protection that they need to feel safe in their communities; considers that urgent action is required to address this issue, and calls on the Scottish Government to strengthen police and community responses to anti-social behaviour to ensure that all reports are taken seriously and effectively addressed, develop comprehensive support services for victims, particularly those experiencing mental health difficulties as a result of unresolved anti-social behaviour, promote community-led initiatives that foster safer, more inclusive neighbourhoods and reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour, and increase public awareness of the impacts of anti-social behaviour and the resources available to victims.


Supported by: Foysol Choudhury