Injunctions and Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABAs)
When we get a report of antisocial behaviour, we'll work with the police, partner agencies and the local community to take the most appropriate action to address the problem.
Injunctions and Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABAs) are two ways that we can help tackle antisocial behaviour.
About ABAs
This is an individual written agreement where a person promises not to continue with specific acts that could be considered as being antisocial behaviour.
It's an agreement between an individual, their local authority or housing association and the police. It's not a legal agreement, but it can be an alternative to an injunction in cases which are not as serious.
About injunctions
These can be made against any person aged 10 or over who has acted in an antisocial way. It's a type of civil law remedy and is not intended to punish the offender.
An injunction is a court order to prohibit a person from:
- continuing to carry out specified antisocial acts
- entering defined locations, to protect the public in those areas
- being in the company of certain individuals in public
Injunctions can also require the person to do something, like engage with the Youth Justice Service or take part in an alcohol rehabilitation course.
How injunctions are made
A court decides whether to grant an injunction. However, the police, the council and other relevant partners will make the decision to apply to court for an injunction.
If we decide to apply for an injunction, we must provide enough proof that a person has caused either:
- housing related nuisance or annoyance
- persistent harassment, alarm or distress
We assess each case according to the level of evidence and consider all other factors before applying to court.
If someone breaches an injunction or ABA
A person can breach an ABA by continuing to act in a way that causes harassment, alarm or distress to people in another household.
Where an ABA is breached, it can be used as evidence to support an application for an injunction.
If a person breaches an injunction, then the court can apply penalties. The penalties depend on the age of the person.
Under 18s can be given a supervision order or a 3-month detention order. Adults can be given a fine and up to 2 years' imprisonment.
Report a breach of an injunction
If you witness someone breaching an injunction and can safely make a call while the breach is occurring, call 999.
To report the breach after the event, call the police non-emergency number, 101.