Hidden victims of hate crimes
ALMOST 6000 hate crimes were reported in Scotland last year, a report reveals.
But a charity who aid victims believe many more go unreported.
Now they are calling for action to help those people suffering bigoted abuse in silence.
Victim Support Scotland said 5708 charges were made relating to hate crime in Scotland in 2016-17.
Among them were 3349 racial, 673 religious, 1075 LGB, 40 transgender and 188 disability hate crimes.
The charity unveiled the figures at their first dedicated hate crime conference in Glasgow.
Director of operations Alan McCloskey said: “Most of the policy and research relating to hate crime focuses on the perpetrators and the criminal justice response.
“We would like to see a shift that keeps victims, and their experiences, at the forefront of all discussions. We must tackle the barriers that prevent victims from reporting crime.”
Victim Support Scotland are also calling for the recognition of hate crimes against the homeless, elderly, asylum seekers and refugees, gypsies and travellers.
Judge Lord Bracadale, who is carrying out a review of hate crime law in Scotland, said the report would make “an important contribution”.
The Scottish Government said: “We are committed to ensuring our communities have protection from hate crime that is fit for the 21st century.
“We look forward to receiving Lord Bracadale’s recommendations.”