[ssf] Fw: Action about ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ORDERS

[Chris Malins]

I am yet to actually hear the argument against ASBO's properly, pending 
which I am yet to be convinced that they are a bad idea. Would this 
subject be worth putting on an agenda for a future meeting. Can someone 
email me a succinct and compelling case against them. I have to admit 
that every time I get abused by some little bastard it raises my level 
of sympathy for the notion.

Chris

Jase wrote:
> 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
> 
> 
> 
> 
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