'Report disability hate crimes'

Friday 4th May 2012

People who suffer from disability hate crimes are being encouraged to report the offences.

The Hate Incident Support Service has launched an easy read form to encourage the reporting of such crimes, connected to the victim's perceived or actual disability, in West Sussex.

The service, from Victim Support, hopes that those affected use the form to report these incidents so they do not continue to suffer in silence.

Helen Ranasinghe, Victim Support service delivery manager in West Sussex, said: "This type of hate crime is hugely under reported in West Sussex which we know through speaking with disability community groups across the county.

"Often victims of hate crime feel unable to report incidents due to fearing that nothing will be done about the situation. Sometimes other people such as friends and carers know it is happening yet choose to do nothing about it."

It is hoped the new form will mean that people do not have to rely on somebody else to report an incident as the person can complete the form themselves.

The service is independent of the police, but will work closely with them if the victim's consent is given. Call 0845 3899528 or email sussexhateincidentreport@victimsupport.org.uk.

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