I have a Disability

What is a disabilty hate crime?

A Disability Hate Crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability or perceived disability.

What is a disability hate incident?

A Disability Hate Incident is any non-crime incident which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostile or prejudice based on a person’s disability or perceived disability.

This includes anyone who is targeted as a result of his or her physical disability, sensory impairment, learning disability or mental health needs. Hate crimes and incidents can be committed against a person or property.

How can the police help?

You can contact Devon and Cornwall Police on101 (non emergency telephone number). In an emergency situation please telephone 999.

All police services treat Hate Crime incidents as priority crimes. You will be listened to and your complaint will be taken seriously.

You can also request for your local PCSO to visit you to discuss any concers you may have. To do this please use the form in the Related Documents.

What can I report?

All Disability Hate Crimes and Incidents should be reported, whether you have been a victim, a witness or you are reporting on behalf of someone else.

These incidents may include verbal abuse, physical assault, domestic abuse, harassment and damage to property.

If a person is bullied as a result of their disability, this is also dealt with as a Disability Hate Crime or Incident. Bullying could include name calling, being spat at or kicked, having property taken or damaged.

Reporting a disability hate crime

There are a number of ways you can report incidents:

Contact the police - who you can speak to in confidence

Use our reporting form - using the form under the heading ‘Related Documents’.

Report online – using the True Vision website.

Visit a non-police reporting centres - local agencies such as Citizen Advice Bureau, Community Voluntary Services, Victim Support, Disability Rights and Advocacy Organisations and support groups can report the incident on your behalf and provide you with advice and support.

By reporting a disability hate crime you can help yourself and you may be able to prevent similar incidents from happening to someone else.

Reporting really does makes a difference.

Check out the easy read booklet about Disability Hate Crime and how to report it under the heading ‘Downloadable Documents’.

What is ‘self-reporting’?

The ‘Self Reporting’ system allows you as the victim, witness, parent, carer or any concerned person to report any incident to the police. You can give us as little or as much personal information as you wish.

By filling out the form you will enable police and other agencies like the council and housing associations to highlight areas of concern and provide us with a true vision of incidents within your community.

If you choose not to provide personal details the report will be used for monitoring purposes to get an indication of what is happening.

If you do choose to provide details about yourself, the incident can be investigated fully and you can get the service you deserve and the support you need.

You can find the Self Reporting form under the heading Related Documents.

Domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults (aged 18 or over) who are or who have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

If you have a disability you have the right to be protected from domestic abuse, in the same way as anyone else. Whether you have a learning disability, mental health issue, physical disability, sensory impairment, a long-term health condition or multiple impairments, you have the right to be protected from domestic abuse.

The term ‘abuse’ is used rather than ‘violence’ because Domestic Abuse can occur in many forms.

If you are experiencing psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse, or are being threatened or intimidated by a current or a former intimate partner or family member, you are experiencing domestic abuse.

It can happen anywhere, for example, at home, a pub or club or at work. If there is an additional element of prejudice or hatred regarding disability, then this becomes an aggravating factor, increasing the seriousness of the offence and sentencing.

There are pressures within every family. Even if people are from your family they shouldn’t be allowed to hurt you in any way.

Government guidance has been put in place to protect vulnerable people from abuse and neglect, whether in a domestic, community or care setting. National standards are in place across all agencies to ensure this protection.

Many instances of abuse will constitute a criminal offence. The abuse of vulnerable people is serious and is investigated thoroughly, when reported.

If you depend on someone who becomes abusive or threatening, it can be a frightening and lonely experience. It is important to report this to someone you trust, for example, a doctor, a family member, a police officer or social worker.

You may be feeling frightened, isolated, ashamed or confused but you are not alone and above all, you do not have to suffer in silence, Help is available.

View a film about disability hate crime

Nice Day video is a short film avaliable on You Tube about abuse and bullying which is signed and subtitled.

Downloadable Documents

All documents open in a new window. Need more help with documents? View the Document Help page.