A Disability Hate Incident is:

"Any incident which is perceived to be motivated because of a person's disability or perceived disability, by the victim or any other person"

For the purposes of Section 146 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Disability is defined as 'Any physical or mental impairment'.  (See also 'Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Disability Hate Crime' CPS 2007 for fuller explanation of Section 146 and when it might apply).

It is important that people feel they can speak up and that their voice will be heard.  That includes people with learning disabilities.  We must find ways to help people to report what happens to them, for that is the only way the police and community safety partnerships can tackle the problem.  Once people do report, they must feel confident that it will be taken seriously and that steps are taken to stop it happening again and of course, we must make sure we bring more offences to justice so the perpetrators know that their behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

For further information on Hate Crime or to report a Hate Incident Crime please click here