Victim Support Scotland’s new national antisocial behaviour (ASB) initiative is designed to strengthen how Scotland’s private rented sector recognises, responds to and supports victims of antisocial behaviour. 

The ASB Support Project, Helping Victims of Antisocial Behaviour in the Private Rented Sector, will provide practical training, clear referral pathways and victim-led restorative support to ensure that tenants, landlords and letting agents affected by ASB can access free, confidential and trauma-informed assistance. 

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) can range from ongoing nuisance and loud noise, to intimidation, harassment and even hate-motivated verbal abuse. For many people, it has a serious impact on their mental health, sense of safety and ability to feel secure in their own home. Funded by the Safe Deposits Scotland Charitable Trust, this new project from VSS responds to clear, national evidence that victims of ASB in the private rented sector are often underserved and lack consistent access to specialist support. The project will:

  • Provide straightforward guidance and training to help landlords and letting agents better understand the impact of antisocial behaviour and respond in a fair, compassionate and informed way.
  • Create a simple, direct route for people affected by antisocial behaviour in the private rented sector to access free and confidential support from Victim Support Scotland.
  • Offer access to safe, voluntary mediation where a victim wants this, helping people address issues constructively and rebuild a sense of control.
  • Raise awareness across Scotland’s private rented sector, working with landlords, letting agents, and Police Scotland to make sure victims know support is available and professionals know how to respond.

Support provided through the project will include one-to-one emotional and practical assistance, safety planning, access to security measures where appropriate, peer support opportunities and restorative approaches where this supports recovery. Recruitment for new staff is already underway to lead delivery, manage referrals, and build partnerships across the sector. This dedicated role will ensure the project is effectively embedded within landlord and letting agent networks across Scotland. 

Jacqueline Cassidy, Director of Service Delivery at Victim Support Scotland said: 

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own community. Antisocial behaviour can have a devastating impact on people’s wellbeing and sense of safety, yet too often victims feel ignored, blamed or left to cope alone. 

"This grant allows VSS to tackle antisocial behaviour in the private rented sector. We are extremely grateful to Safe Deposits Scotland Charitable Trust for their support, which will allow us to build the tools, partnerships and referral pathways needed to ensure that anyone affected has access to the support they need.”