Hate Crime report published

People with a disability experience a wide range of forms of hate crime, including verbal abuse, assaults and damage to property according to new research published by the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister (OFMdFM).

Those people with a disability that were interviewed believed that awareness of disability related issues is low among the general public.

Co-funded with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) the qualitative research - “Hate crime against people with disabilities – a baseline study of experiences in Northern Ireland” – was undertaken independently by the Institute for Conflict Research.

Almost 200 people living with a range of physical, mental health, sensory, hidden, learning and acquired disabilities were interviewed for the research. Views of disability support organisations and organisations within the criminal justice system were also sought.

The key findings included:

• People with a disability reported experiencing a wide range of forms of hate crime, including verbal abuse, assaults and damage to property.
• Given the range of anecdotal evidence offered, it is concluded that the annual statistics produced by the PSNI do not reflect the experiences of people with a disability.
• The PSNI is seen as the primary agency for dealing with hate crime. The relationship between the PSNI and people with a disability appears to be a difficult one. Whilst the research reported that the PSNI have taken important steps to improve their systems for dealing with hate crime the implementation of these systems and procedures by officers is not always carried out in line with operational practice standards.
• People with disabilities did not think that disability support organisations were very aware of disability hate crime issues.
• People with disabilities felt that awareness of disability related issues was low among the general public.

The research will now provide evidence for the government, police and those involved in policy development of the scale and nature of such crime.

Speaking on this research, Head of PSNI Community Safety Branch, Superintendent Andy McQuiggan said: "This is an important piece of research which confirms that there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of Disability Hate Crime. The report confirms that under-reporting is an issue that needs to be addressed. We remain dedicated to dealing with all forms of Hate Crime and would encourage everyone who is a victim or witness to report it to us."

Notes to Editors:

1. The research is based on a review of relevant literature and available statistics together with interviews with people with disabilities, disability organisations and from criminal justice organisations.
2. Electronic copies of the Report can be obtained from the OFMdFM website
3. For further information contact Dr Neil Jarman, Deputy Chief Executive, Institute for Conflict Research, Tel: 028 90742682.
4. All media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375.Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.