Disability Hate Crime
Disability Hate Crime
Disability hate crimes are usually motivated by the offender's ignorance, prejudice or fear. Such hate crimes can have a serious impact upon the victim and their quality of life. Leicestershire Constabulary is committed to stamping out all crime motivated by hate and prejudice.
What is a disability hate crime incident?
“Any incident, which is perceived to be based upon prejudice towards or hatred of the victim because of their disability or so perceived by the victim or any other person”.
This definition is adopted by all criminal justice agencies (2007).
Are you, or do you know people who are being bullied, assaulted, harassed or verbally abused because you or they have a disability?
Yes? Then this is a disability hate incident!
Are you, or do you know people who are being bullied, assaulted, harassed or verbally abused? Is it because you or they have a disability?
Yes? Then this is a disability hate incident!
If you or anyone else has been subjected to harassment, assault, bullying or verbal abuse, then please report the incident(s). All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and you do not need to provide your personal details if you do not wish to do so.
Why report?
- Reporting incidents will provide valuable information to the police. Your information may contribute to the identification, arrest and / or prosecution of the offender.
- Reporting incidents will allow patterns of behaviour and crime hotspots to be identified, allowing the police to target resources more effectively to reduce the incidence of hate crime and to promote safer communities.
- Reporting incidents will assist in the development of projects with partner agencies to combat hatred toward disabled people in local areas.
What can I report?
- Any incident where you believe you, or anyone, has been targeted because they are disabled.
- Any incident you know or believe was motivated by hatred of disabled people; for example graffiti, harassment by neighbours, bullying in school or verbal abuse.
- Domestic abuse, violence or aggression against someone by a family member, partner or ex-partner in an existing or previous relationship, can also be reported.
How can I report an incident?
- Visit your local police station
- Telephone the police on 0116 222 2222
- Use a self/third party reporting form – which can be obtained at police stations
Who can I talk to?
If you wish to speak to a police officer in confidence, telephone Leicester (0116) 222 2222 and ask to be put in contact with your local Hate Crime Officer. They have a 24-hour answerphone facility. If you leave a message always ensure you leave a safe address or telephone number where they can contact you.
In an emergency, always dial 999.
What to record?
If you have experienced a disability hate incident, it is important that you record as many details as possible. You should try to record the exact details of the incident while it is still fresh in your mind. In particular, it is important to record the following:
- The date, time, duration of the incident; for example, 09/01/2005 at 6.00pm to 6.15pm.
- Where the incident took place; for example, in the street, at school or at your home.
- Brief details of what happened; for example, if you were assaulted, what injuries were caused etc.
If the injuries involved graffiti, do not try to remove it. Record exactly what was written or drawn and report it to the police. If the incident included abuse based on the hatred of disabled people, record precisely what was said as soon as possible.
If you receive written material based on the hatred of disabled people in the post, try not to handle the material more than once because important evidence such as fingerprints could be lost. Make sure that you save any envelopes or packaging.
Details of perpetrator(s)
The following information may assist the police to catch the person/people responsible, for example:
- The number of people involved.
- Whether they were male or female.
- Their approximate age, height, build, eye colour and ethnicity.
- Any distinguishing marks such as scars, tattoos.
- Their hair colour and style.
- Any facial hair or the wearing of glasses.
- Their clothing.
- Any distinguishing accents.
Details of vehicles
If a vehicle was involved you should record as much detail as you can; for example:
- The make, model and colour of the vehicle.
- The registration number.
- It’s direction of travel.
- The number of occupants.
Details of witnesses
It is important to include the name and address of anyone who has witnessed the disability hate incident; for example, friends or neighbours.
A prompt response
If you call the police to report an incident, ask for the incident reference number. A police officer will come to speak to you as soon as possible. Ensure that you obtain the police officer’s name and number. An investigating officer will always be appointed and you will be told who that person is.
Disability Hate Crime book
To receive a specific Disability Hate Crime book, available in Easy Read and containing useful numbers, contact your local Hate Crime Officer on 0116 222 22 22.
Victim Support will work with you through the reporting and the whole court process.
