Cheshire East roadshows raise awareness of disability hate crime

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners have held a series of roadshow events to help raise awareness about disability hate crime.

And the message to the public is ‘See It, Hear It, Report It!’

Disability hate crime is the targeting of individuals and communities because of their disabilities. Hate crime can range from daily torments to serious violence. 

Sadly, hate incidents and hate crimes are an everyday feature of the lives of many people and occur in ordinary, everyday circumstances. 

Persistent harassment and abuse may be an ongoing aspect of day-to-day existence.  It significantly impacts on the quality of people’s lives and can lead people to change their habits and lifestyles in a bid to avoid victimisation.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “We have a particular challenge to increase the reporting of hate crimes that target disabled people as we know that these crimes have been significantly under-reported in the past.

“It is vital that these vulnerable people and their families and friends are aware of the help and support that is available to victims of disability hate crime. If anyone hears or sees abuse of disabled people they should report it to the authorities immediately.

“Hate crimes and the victimisation of people because of their disabilities, or because they are ‘different’, are utterly abhorrent and unacceptable in a civilised society.”

A series of roadshow information events about disability hate crime were held in Macclesfield and Crewe town centres recently.

Cheshire East Council works with a range of partners, including the police, local NHS Primary Care Trust, Probation Service, housing and voluntary groups to help keep people safe across the Borough.

Through the Adult Safeguarding Board they have made a commitment to work co-operatively to identify, prevent and investigate the abuse of vulnerable adults – including the disabled.

Who do I call? You can ring Cheshire police or you can report your concerns to Cheshire East Council on: 0300 1235010. Or use the Council’s emergency out-of-hours number: 0300 1235022.

For more information click on the ‘No Secrets’ link on the Council’s homepage at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

If you would like to participate in raising awareness of disability hate crime, please contact AdultSafeguardingUnit@cheshireeast.gov.uk