What is Disability Wales doing about Disability Hate Crime?
Disability Hate Crime is a serious issue in Wales. It is reported that Disabled people in Wales are four times more likely to experience harassment than non-disabled citizens. However, it is anticipated that the real number of Disability Hate Crime incidents is much higher and many incidents are not reported. Recent research suggests that 56% of disabled people say they have experienced hostility, aggression or violence from a stranger because of the perpetrator's hostility towards their condition or impairment.
In response to this, we have been working with South Wales; Dyfed Powys; North Wales; and Gwent Police forces to raise awareness of the seriousness of Disability Hate Crime. We have organised two national events, held in February and June 2010, they brought together representatives from all the police services and of national disability organisations in Wales and other interested parties.
In partnership with South Wales Police we held a conference titled ‘Disability Hate Crime Matters’ in November 2010. The conference aimed to raise awareness of disability related harassment and to consider multi-agency solutions and good practice to effectively address its causes.
In addition to the above, we have also:
- worked with the BBC in the planning of the programme ‘Why do you hate me?’
- contributed to the Equality Human Rights Commission’s Formal Inquiry into Disability Related Harassment
- held talks with organisations like Safer Wales about how existing systems for the reporting of Disability Hate Crime can be made more accessible
- Gave evidence to the Assembly on Disability Related Harassment Inquiry
- a member of the Disability Hate Crime Action Group Cymru
