Position Statement on Disability Hate Crime

What it is:

A disability hate crime is a criminal offence motivated by hatred or prejudice towards a person because of their actual or perceived disability. It is also a criminal offence in which immediately before, after or during the offence the perpetrator demonstrates hostility towards a person because of their actual or perceived disability. Please also see s.146 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

Hate crimes are violations of the human rights of disabled people and a direct attack on a person's identity. Shockingly, it can be a regular feature in the lives of many. Hate crime can include:

• Verbal abuse or insults - offensive leaflets and posters, abusive gestures, dumping of rubbish outside homes or through letterboxes, and bullying at school or in the workplace.
• Threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone calls, groups hanging around to intimidate and unfounded, malicious complaints.
• Physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbour disputes and arson.
• Theft of money or possessions through extortion or stealing.

What we think about it:

Everyone has the right to be protected from any form of hate crime and we will fight for equal recognition of disability hate crime as a serious criminal offence. We want a clear legislation and guidance that will better protect disabled people from incidents of hate crime.

At the local and national level, we are working towards greater understanding and recognition of disability hate crime. We are also calling for appropriate monitoring, investigation and justice for disabled people when attacked, harassed or even murdered.

We recognise disability hate crime as a human rights issue and we will challenge the government on its commitment to the UN Convention on Human Rights for disabled people which states that disabled people are entitled to the same and equal justice as others and freedom from harassment and attacks due to our identity or difference.

What do we want people to do?

We need more disabled people and disabled people’s organisations to become involved and more proactive in reporting incidents of hate crime. That is the only way to move this up the political and legal agendas.

Individually, and as disabled people’s organisations, you can make a huge difference locally and nationally by raising awareness of the issue of disability hate crime and reporting such incidents. When the people who are most affected by this issue rise up and say ‘Enough is Enough!’ then we can become the centre of huge social change where society can respond via the police, justice services and government.

If you would also like to read more about disability hate crime and how to get involved then we strongly recommend you read our document on ‘Disability Hate Crime, How to Get Involved Guide’. Alternatively you can click on the following documents and links.

---

The Bigger Picture Report in Microsoft Word


Snap Shot Report of targeted hostility in Microsoft Word


Disability Hate Crime, How to Get Involved Guide in PDF


Getting Away With Murder Report


Getting Away With Murder Easy Read Version