We need to challenge online disability hate crimes

In response to the Law Commission's recommendations on hate crime legislation our Director of Policy Gemma Hope said:

“We’re extremely pleased to see our calls to make disability a protected characteristic within hate crime laws being a key recommendation in the Law Commission’s report.

"It’s a hugely necessary step that is vital in driving down these abhorrent crimes and showing perpetrators that their actions will be taken seriously. Putting disability on the same level as other protected characteristics also means victims of disability hate crime will have access to greater protections and better support, and brings hate crime laws more in alignment with the Equality Act. 

“But our research shows that reports of online disability hate crimes in particular are continuously on the rise and hate crime legislation needs to acknowledge this. Moving forward, we hope to see the government’s Online Safety Bill providing clear parameters to help challenge this type of online abuse.”

Media enquiries

For further information please contact Erin O’Reilly viaerin.o'reilly@leonardcheshire.org.