[ssf] Fw: Action about ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ORDERS

[Jase]

From: "law" <law at allwomencount.net>
Subject:  Action about ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ORDERS
Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2005 14:05:59 -0000


Dear Friends,

Please see enclosed a statement put out by a coalition of groups which is
calling for a review of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders.  We are aiming for it to
be signed by as many people as possible and would be glad if you could sign on
behalf of your organisation or as an individual.  If you sign as an individual
please mention your job if you feel that is appropriate.  Please send your
signature to Legal Action for Women at law at crossroadswomen.net and Matt Foot
at MattF at fishersolicitors.com.

Many thanks,

Niki Adams


ASBO CONCERN

We are an alliance of organisations and individuals who wish to campaign about
serious concerns with the use of ASBOs.

OUR BELIEFS
1.      Anti-social behaviour can cause distress and misery but the response
to it must be appropriate, just, proportionate, positive and effective.

2.      Asbos are a punitive measure that can criminalise people for behaviour
that is not criminal, and often imposed only on the basis of hearsay evidence.

3.      They do nothing to deal with the causes of anti-social behaviour and
can distort the work that is being done to build stronger communities.

4.      The government is increasing the use of Asbos, despite the fact that
there is no evidence that they work. Home Office figures show that at least
one third of Asbos are breached.

5.      Asbos can result in eviction of whole families and are increasing the
prison population, with people being jailed for breaches of Asbos even for
offences that would not otherwise be imprisonable. Around 10 young people a
week are imprisoned this way.

6.      We want properly funded community and youth services and support for
people with mental health, drug and alcohol or other social problems to build
an inclusive society.

AIMS
1.      To bring together those concerned about the way asbos are used -
charities, professionals, trade unions, community groups, young people and
others - in a joint campaign.

2.      To publicly highlight the problems with asbos and the need for
alternative ways of tackling anti-social behaviour that does not criminalise
people for actions that are not criminal.

3.      To counteract the scapegoating and stigmatising of children and young
people and vulnerable groups and campaign for properly funded youth services
and support for those who need it.

4.      To campaign for a full public government review of asbos and the way
they are used.

Signatories:

Organisations:

NAPO, CYWU, Inquest, British Association of Social Workers, Action for
Children, Fair Play for Children, Brent Youth Company, Holborn GMB,
International Prostitutes Collective, Legal Action for Women

Individuals:

Janet Batsleer, Louise Christian, Bernard Davies, Pam Eland, Matt Foot, Helen
Gregory, Gavin Shelton, Iain Taylor.

Matt Foot
work: 0207 233 9939
mobile: 07769 700 115