Bits in itallic indicate cuts when published in Guardian

Letters

How Asbos have turned anti-social


Wednesday April 13, 2005
The Guardian

Why shouldn’t Anti-Social Behaviour Orders be an election issue when politicians are taking credit for the ‘success’ of a policy which is bringing homelessness and imprisonment to countless vulnerable people? (Leader 8 April)  Children, women (particularly sex workers), and people with disabilities are the main targets of this witch-hunt.

Probation and council officers as well as campaigners for the rights of children, women, prisoners and others, describe a climate of “spiteful and cruel” treatment and the squashing of children’s talents and potential.  Young people with nowhere to go, now that resources have been cut, are being criminalised for hanging out on street corners – especially if they’re Black.  Sex workers are being imprisoned for ASBOs, despite the fact that prison for loitering and soliciting was abolished years ago.

Like anti-terror legislation, there is no trial.  Hearsay evidence from an aggrieved neighbour can result in up to five years imprisonment or destitution.  A woman with a disability was made homeless, accused of running a “crack house” – the supposed crack users were people her husband was helping with benefits advice.

This is not ASBOs working badly, this is ASBOs working – pitting against each other people frustrated by this government which ignores our needs and wishes, starving our communities of resources in order to make war. 

Legal Action for Women

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