Support for victims of anti-social behaviour

Victims of anti-social behaviour in Powys will now receive support from the victim and witness service, Goleudy, it has been announced.

Goleudy is commissioned by Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, and provides support to anyone affected by crime and anti-social behaviour, regardless of whether they’ve reported it to the police.

He said: “Goleudy offers a free and confidential service to support victims, families and witnesses in the Dyfed-Powys area.

“Personalised, practical and emotional support is offered to help these people survive crime and make them stronger.

“The services are accessible regardless of whether the incident has been reported to the police.

“It is important for the same level of support to be available for both victims of crime and anti-social behaviour and this will now be achieved.

“Goleudy’s trained specialists will provide a smooth process supporting individuals whose specific circumstances may mean they alternate between being a victim of crime and victim of anti-social behaviour.”

The service, co-located with police, has been recognised as best practice in the most recent report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable, Mark Collins, said: “Anti-social behaviour can disrupt people’s lives and cause as much upset as crime, and these victims deserve as much support as any other victim.”

The new approach has seen Dyfed-Powys Police invest in training staff and raising awareness to manage anti-social behaviour. They have met with Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Health Boards and the Fire and Rescue Service with the intent of working together more effectively by sharing knowledge and resources to tackle the problem.

The partnership working will protect and support individuals and their property, reduce repeat victimisation, identify offenders and trends, and the potential causes. They will then be able to consider implementing the most appropriate diversions, interventions, restrictive orders and prosecutions with the aim of reducing the impact of anti-social behaviour on individuals and communities.

For more information about Goleudy visit www.goleudyvictimandwitnessservice.org.uk or phone 0300 123 2996.