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Disability hate crime reports rising and highest in West Yorkshire Disability hate crime: Number of reports rising
(about 16 hours later)
Disability hate crimes, including assault, harassment, stalking and malicious communications, are rising in England and Wales, according to figures obtained by a charity. Shocking but not surprising is how one campaigner has described a rise in disability hate crimes.
United Response said there were more than 6,000 incidents reported in 2018-19, a rise of just under 12% in a year. Research by learning disability charity United Response found there were more than 6,000 reported cases in 2018-19, a rise of just under 12% in a year.
The police force area with the largest number was West Yorkshire (818), followed by Greater Manchester (464).The police force area with the largest number was West Yorkshire (818), followed by Greater Manchester (464).
The learning disability charity said the figures were "deeply worrying". Chloe Tear, a disability blogger from West Yorkshire, said disabled people faced "malicious comments" every day.
United Response submitted Freedom of Information requests to 45 police forces across England and Wales, 34 of which responded with disability hate crime figures. The 21-year-old has mild cerebral palsy and is partially-sighted.
The charity received figures from 34 forces, 27 of those forces gave figures for charges or prosecutions while 21 provided the numbers of disability hate crimes committed by repeat offenders. 'Really hurtful'
'Criminal Harm' She said three years ago she was in a wheelchair when eggs were thrown at her.
In England and Wales, 6,263 disability hate crimes were reported in 2018-19, while in 2017-18 the figure was 5,599 and in 2016-17 it was 4,079. "It really shocked me. The person who did it knew me, knew that I was an open book about my disability.
"It's really hurtful when you spend your whole life trying to be positive about it."
She said the incident, which she did report to the police, took a long time to recover from.
Amy Williamson, 23, from Leeds, has Down's syndrome and faced abuse from a group of boys as she got off a bus near her home.
"I think there were 20 of them, they were calling me names and saying mean stuff about my boyfriend."
Her mother Karen said it severely knocked her confidence.
"Her independence has been affected. Even in her own street she doesn't feel comfortable and safe anymore."
United Response submitted Freedom of Information requests to 45 police forces across England and Wales.
It received disability hate crime figures from 34 forces, of which 27 gave figures for charges or prosecutions while 21 provided the numbers of disability hate crimes committed by repeat offenders.
In England and Wales, 6,263 disability hate crimes were reported in 2018-19, while in 2017-18 the figure was 5,599. In 2016-17 it was 4,079.
The charity's figures also showed fewer people were being charged or prosecuted for disability hate crimes across England and Wales.The charity's figures also showed fewer people were being charged or prosecuted for disability hate crimes across England and Wales.
Joanne Silkstone, from United Response, said: "Just as last year, these figures are deeply worrying.
"The hard facts are that more and more people with learning disabilities or autism are being subjected to criminal harm and seemingly a smaller proportion of those responsible are being given the punishment they deserve."
West Yorkshire Police received 818 reports in 2018-19 - a rise of 53% on the figure for 2017-18.West Yorkshire Police received 818 reports in 2018-19 - a rise of 53% on the figure for 2017-18.
The force said an element of the rise in reports could be attributed to its "high standards" in crime recording.The force said an element of the rise in reports could be attributed to its "high standards" in crime recording.
Supt Richard Close added: "Residents should be free to live their lives without fear, hatred or intolerance and there is no excuse for such behaviour. Supt Richard Close added: "Residents should be free to live their lives without fear, hatred or intolerance and there is no excuse for such behaviour."
"We are committed to ensuring that the most vulnerable are safe and feel reassured." Ms Tear said: "I think the figures are absolutely shocking but I'm not surprised.
"The odd malicious comment is part of our daily life."
She said more education was needed to address people's ignorance and reliance on stereotypes.
"As a society we are getting better and hopefully the younger generation will grow up to be more respectful."