Real
Have you or someone you know experienced disability hate crime?
If you have been a victim of hate crime because of your disability, it is important that you report the crime to the police and receive the support you need. Real is a registered third party reporting centre, which means we have the skills and experience to assist you through the reporting process if you do not wish to report the crime directly to the police yourself. We will explain all the reporting options available to you, so you are in control of the choices you make. We can also refer you to Victim Support so you can receive the support you need to cope with emotional stress.
What is disability hate crime?
If you feel somebody has treated you badly or hurt you in some way because you look different, sound different, have specialised equipment, have a carer or need extra support doing some tasks, you may have experienced disability hate crime. It is important that you report the incident to get the support you need and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Disability hate crime is defined as ‘Any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability or perceived disability.’
What can you do if you have experienced disability hate crime?
If you would like assistance to report the incident to the police either by phone, in person or online, you can report through Real as a third party reporting centre.
What is a third party reporting centre?
Real is a third party reporting centre, which means we have the expertise and skills to assist people to report disability hate crime to the Police and/or access the support services they may need.
We know that reporting a crime to the Police can sometimes be a difficult or scary thing to do. As a third party reporting centre, we can offer you an additional level of support to report the incident. Real is a disabled peoples organisation, which means we have a strong understanding of different impairment types and can tailor our support to meet any access requirements you may have. We provide a safe space where you can express yourself and know you have been listened to.
If you decide to report through Real, we can assure you all information will be kept confidential. We will listen to your report without judgement and make sure you are in control of the process. We can offer advice and guidance, but you make the choices that work best for you. Your safety and well-being are the most important thing and working together with you, we will assess if you are in danger and if so what can be done to protect you from further harm.
Hate crime can take many forms
Physical attacks, including pushing, shoving, kicking, murder
Malicious communications, including threatening or offensive mail, letters, texts or emails
Nasty accusations, for example alleging someone is a paedophile
Threatening behaviour, bullying, harassment and intimidation
Taking over someone’s home, for example, using it to deal drugs
Damage to property, including offensive graffiti, arson, disability equipment
Financial abuse, including stealing, ‘borrowing’, taking control of your money
Verbal abuse, including taunting, spitting, sexual remarks