Disability Hate Incidents

Safe in the City aims to encourage reporting of disability hate incidents, ensure victims and witnesses are fully supported and build their confidence in the criminal justice systems.

Remember, in an emergency always call 999.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a disability hate incident?

    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
    Related subjects: 
    Disability Hate Incidents

  • Who is a disabled person?

    Disabled people include:

    • People with physical disabilities or who find it difficult to move around
    • People with sensory disabilities or who can not hear or see, or who find it difficult to hear or see
    • People with learning disabilities
    • Those with mental illness and
    • People with long term conditions
    Related subjects: 
    Disability Hate Incidents

  • What if I don’t want to report an incident but need some support?

    We provide support to people who have experienced hate incidents or crimes because of hostility based on their race, religions, and disability. Caseworkers will

    • Arrange to meet you at your home, if you wish
    • Provide a language or sign interpreter, if you need one
    • Listen to your needs and take your concerns seriously
    • Undertake an initial risk assessment within one working day
    • Offer you a single point of contact
    • Develop an action plan with you to resolve the complaint.  This could include 
      - Working with other agencies on the agreed actions to solve your complaint
      - Taking action against the person who is causing the incidents
    • Support you throughout the process and if you need to go to court
    • If you wish, work with your family members or carers, as appropriate
    • Ask for your feedback to improve our service
    • Aim for an outcome that is both realistic and agreeable to you
    Related subjects: 
    Disability Hate Incidents

  • Contact Information

    If you have any other questions or queries, please the Safe in the City Casework Team or call 01273 292735

    Minicom/Text relay 18001 01273 292735