Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves
I read with interest Chief Inspector Ratcliff ’s column in last Wednesday’s Observer detailing Police Scotland’s support of National Hate Crime Week and the steps the force is taking in a bid to address hate crime.
I read with further interest Friday’s front page where the force appealed for information on two hate crime incidents - and a court story inside recounting abuse directed at a man with Down’s Syndrome while on a train journey.
As the parent of a grown up son with learning difficulties and other disabilities I have to say that hate crimes against those with disabilities are a hidden issue in our society for a number of reasons and grossly under-reported to the police, with statistics in no way reflective of the reality.
While the vast majority of people are kind, decent and well meaning, there remains a minority which think nothing of bullying or targeting for their own gain or peculiar entertainment.
Victims of hate crimes related to religion, race or sexual orientation are perhaps understandably unwilling to report it, but they are capable of so doing.
Prosecution of disability hate crime is often difficult because the victims are not always capable of giving evidence or even a statement - a factor most probably not lost on those intent on taking advantage.
It is therefore incumbent on not only their relatives and carers but also on the general public to be prepared to bear witness against the perpetrators of crimes against those with disabilities.
Ideally, no one should be a mere bystander during such incidents, but people should at least be prepared to contact the police and to give evidence, sending a clear message that this is entirely unacceptable. This will strengthen the case for the police and the prosecution service and enable perpetrators to be brought to court. Often the language used is a key factor in assessing whether an incident should be classed as a hate crime. However using ‘non-PC’ words or phrases for describing disabilities can often be generational and just what particular terms are considered acceptable can change or can be down to individual preference. What I feel is often far more important is the intent of a person’s words or actions, whether they are using the ‘correct’ language or not. While that may be difficult to interpret in a court of law it is not impossible, and again the more people who can bear witness with their own interpretation of a situation the better.
Can I also say that, contrary to what may be popular belief, such discrimination is not merely perpetrated by so-called ‘neds’. In fact some of the more distasteful incidents in my experience have been with professional, mature people who you might have expected to know better.
A man pointing, laughing and drawing attention to my son in a public place because he was “funny” and another asking us to leave a shop because my son’s presence was “distressing customers” are just two incidents I could mention.
I am more than capable of standing up for my son and so far have not resorted to making any formal complaint. However, with the apparent focus on hate crime now there is a danger that people with disabilities - many of whom may not have such support - will ironically lose out if the statistics don’t back up the need for their voices to be heard.
The vast majority of people in our society are caring and happy to help they need to speak out against those who are not, and need to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.