A hate incident is when anyone feels they have been picked on or targeted because of their disability. Disability hate incidents also include disability hate by association with a disabled person, for example, as carers or family members and presumed disability: incidents where an offender has mistakenly believed that the victim is disabled.
Direct disability hate incidents can include:
- Physical abuse – spitting, punching, kicking, slapping, pushing or behaviour which leads to physical injury
- Threats – Words of a threatening nature, for example “I’m going to beat you up” or “I’m going to get you and your family”
- Verbal abuse – name calling, swearing, abusive telephone calls
- Sexual abuse – this can be abuse including degradation, rape, assault,
- Written/printed abuse – Letters by post, leaflets or posters using prejudiced language, abusive text messages etc. against disabled people
- Graffiti/ disability hate language or images – written/drawn onto property
- Attacks on property/home – deliberate damage to your home or assistive equipment. Eggs/stones thrown at property, tyres slashed, windows broken
- Harassment – persistent intimidating or threatening behaviour which is spread over a period of time
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