What is a disability hate crime?
Something is a disability hate incident if the victim or anyone else thinks it was carried out because of hostility or prejudice against disabled people. This means that if YOU believe something is a hate incident, it should be recorded as such by the person you are reporting to.
According to new figures the level of hate crime against people with disabilities rose by 51% in the past year.
Sometimes, people can be cruel because of the way you look, the beliefs you have, or the way you live your life. This can occasionally lead to you becoming a victim of abuse, whether verbal or physical.
So how can we help stop it?
The most effective way is to report it. Firstly, we must acknowledge that a hate crime is a criminal offence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice based upon the victim’s disability or perceived disability. It can take many forms.
- Physical attacks such as assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti and arson
- Threat of attack including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls, intimidation and unfounded malicious complaints.
- Verbal abuse, insults or harassment – taunting, offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes and bullying at school or in the workplace.
Here’s how to report it
Call the police on 101
Contact Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111
If you are in danger and feel threatened always call 999
A third party, like a local Citizens Advice Bureau, can help you with reporting a hate incident