Disability Hate Crime – Seaside News

I was pleased to note the important issue of disability hate crime gain a mention in the Senedd recently, when Rebecca Evans AM discussed the Mencap report ‘Living in fear’. The report notes that over 90% of people with a learning disability had suffered some form of physical or verbal abuse from people they did not know. No doubt you’ll agree that these findings are wholly unacceptable.

It is important that all disabled people are able to live their lives without fear of attack or abuse and I welcome and support the Mencap campaign ‘Stand by Me’ to tackle disability hate crime. Much good work on the issue has also been done by Disability Wales, and by local groups such as the Bridgend Coalition for Disabled People, which is chaired by Bridgend resident, Simon Green.

Partnerships with the Police and other organisations are crucial to ensure that when incidents of disability hate crime occur, they are dealt with effectively and appropriate support is provided to victims of crime. For more information on disability hate crime visit www.disabilitywales.org