Disability 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.

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 will include 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.

Disability Hate Crime hurts.  By reporting it you can help yourself and you may be able to prevent these incidents from happening to someone else.

Reporting makes a difference…..to you, your friends, your community and your life.

An easy read booklet about Disability Hate Crime and how to report it is available to download (see Downloadable Documents)

How can I report an incident?

There are a number of ways you can report incidents:

• Phone the police
  • Who you can speak to in confidence
• Self reporting
  • Use the form contained on this site (form to follows) to report an incident.  You do not have to give your personal details.
• 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.

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 your things taken or damaged.

Self reporting – What is it about?

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, local councils, housing associations, health service etc. 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.

Domestic Abuse Incidents

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.

Being disabled, you have the right to be protected from domestic abuse, in the same way as anyone else.  Whether you live with 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 in the same way as everyone else.

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.  However, 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.

How can the police help?

If you are suffering a domestic abuse incident, you can contact us by ringing your local police station or by dialling 999 in an emergency.

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

• Our first priority is to ensure your safety
• You will be dealt with sympathetically, professionally and will be spoken to separately from the person responsible for the abuse
• To protect you, we will take firm and positive action against your abuser and hold them accountable for what they have done.

• Disability Hate Crime - Easy Read
  Easy to read book about Disability Hate Crime and how to Report it.
  Last updated: 27/05/2010 (2.2 MB)