New bid to stamp out disability hate crime

Police awareness campaign

A police campaign aimed at tackling abuse towards disabled people was launched this week.

Police Scotland’s #DontTolerateHate campaign was unveiled on Wednesday.

One in five people in Scotland are registered as having a disability, but police say this category of hate crime accounts for only four per cent of reports and there is strong evidence to suggest this type of offence is significantly under reported.

T h e campaign has been designed to encourage people to come forward, to speak up and refuse to tolerate this kind of behaviour and 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 the campaign posters.

A range of reporting options are available to support victims or bystanders to feel able to report an incident, including: in person at a police station or by speaking to an officer in the street; by telephone via 101, or 999 in the event of an emergency; using Police Scotland’s online reporting form; or through a third party reporting centre.

Area Commander for Stirling, Chief Inspector Gill Marshall said: “Here in Stirling we treat any report of hate crime very seriously. The investigation and detection of such crime is monitored on a daily basis and we are fortunate to have the support of our local Safer Communities team who can provide additional support and advice. We also have Hate Crime Champions who work within our teams to ensure colleagues are aware of best practice and current trends. I would echo the advice in relation to the reporting of any such incident and would encourage any victims or witnesses to make contact in order that officers within the Stirling area can provide all appropriate support and reassurance.”

Eileen MacLean, chair of anti-disability hate crime charity, I Am Me Scotland, said: “We’re 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.”

Here in Stirling we treat any report of hate crime very seriously. The investigation and detection of such crime is monitored on a daily basis Ch Insp Gill Marshall