First disability hate crime centres open

August 2006

Four centres for people to report disability hate crimes are to open in Yorkshire, in what is believed to be the first scheme of its kind in the country.

The Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership (KSCP) programme is in response to a new law which came into force in April.

It means that police have to record disability hate crimes, which includes physical attacks, threats of attack or verbal abuse, as they already do for racist or homophobic hate crimes.

Four dedicated, accessible centres in Batley, Dewsbury and Huddersfield will open this month, although disabled people can also use the 61 existing hate crime reporting centres across Kirklees.

Staff trained in disability issues will take reports and discuss the possibility of pressing charges, as well as referring victims to counselling services.

Javier Santana-Acosta, KSCP's strategic diversity officer, said: "Hate incidents and crime committed against people because of their disability is not acceptable.Our message to anyone affected is don't suffer in silence. Report it and get support. You will be taken seriously."

* For more information, tel: 01484 416 295 or visit www.saferkirklees.co.uk.

Taken from the DisabilityNow Website 14/08/2006

www.disabilitynow.org.uk/