Tackling hate crimes

RESEARCH by learning disability charity United Response found there were more than 7,300 reported Hate crime cases in 2019-20, a rise of just under 12% in a year, and this number continues to increase.

This is the tip of the iceberg, as the statistics published back in 2013/14 estimate that there were 62,000 disability hate crimes with only 2,020 recorded by the police.

Statistics do not demonstrate the actual impact of this crime on peoples lives.

I am sure we can all remember the case of Fiona Pilkington who set fire to her car with herself and her 18 year old daughter inside, after experiencing more than a decade of harassment and anti-social behaviour focused on Frankie who had learning disabilities.

Here in Wokingham CLASP members are regularly subject to a variety of hate crimes.

It is shocking to hear their stories, and I wonder if their perpetrators always know their behaviour constitutes a hate crime and is actually prosecutable by law?

The week commencing October 11 is Hate Crime week.

CLASP are proud to be celebrating this and raising awareness.

We end the week on Friday, October 15, with a signing of our Hate Crime Charter by Felicity Parker, Superintendent of Thames Valley Police and Matt Pope, Director of Adult Social services.

This will take place at 10am at the Bradbury Centre in Rose Street,

Wokingham town centre.

We are reaching out to Wokingham businesses, traders, organisations and societies to support this fight against Hate Crime by asking you to come along to the event and sign the charter as well.

Asda have kindly donated funds for us to supply refreshments.

No need to book please just turn up or call me on 07780 749 453.

Lets make Wokingham and beyond a positive place for us all to live.

Thank you

Debs Morrison, CLASP and

LDPB Manager