Disability hate crime won’t be tolerated
IAN BUNTING
Police have launched a campaign to crack down on disability hate crime in and around Rutherglen.
The #DontTolerateHate initiative is being supported by charity I Am Me Scotland as well as people with lived experience of disability hate crime who have spoken out about their experiences, and feature in posters.
Police Scotland knows there are many reasons hate crime isn’t always reported; this can include victims not knowing who to talk to, how to report it, thinking abuse is just a part of life, or not fully understanding what constitutes hate crime.
A range of reporting options are available to support victims or bystanders to feel able to report an incident.
This can be done in person at a police station or by speaking to an officer in the street; calling 101, or 999 in the event of an emergency; using Police Scotland’s online reporting form; or through a third party reporting centre.
This type of abuse can have a significant impact on victims, their families and friends, as well as on wider communities, and can leave people with a disability feeling isolated and marginalised as it erodes their confidence.
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, Police Scotland’s strategic lead for partnerships, prevention and community wellbeing, said: “Disability hate crime is never acceptable. It is deplorable for anyone to be targeted because of any kind of disability.
“Sadly, it’s happening day in and day out across the country; but people should never just accept it as a part of life.
“Our message to everyone – whether they’ve been a victim of hate crime or witnessed it – is don’t tolerate hate; please report this kind of behaviour.
“It is crucial everyone plays their part in stamping out this kind of insidious victimisation and help us bring offenders to justice.
“We understand it can be difficult for people to speak to the police about an emotional issue like this, but we will help and support you in any way we can throughout the entire process.
“Anyone reporting disability hate crime will be treated sympathetically and taken seriously; and their experience will be thoroughly investigated.”
Eileen MacLean, chair of antidisability hate crime charity I Am Me Scotland, added: “We are pleased to support Police Scotland’s new disability hate crime campaign.
“This is recognised, nationally, as one of the most under-reported crimes in the UK.
“It is vital people report incidents to police and to tackle this, there are a lot of options for people to report hate crime, including through our free Keep Safe Scotland app.
“Keep Safe is a partnership with Police Scotland which creates a network of Safe Places for anyone who may feel lost, scared or vulnerable when they’re out and about.
“The Keep Safe initiative helps disabled people feel safe in their communities and to enjoy their daily life free from the fear of harassment and abuse.”