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Blog
New animation by Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP hel
Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has launched a new animation which aims to raise awareness about Disability Hate Crime.
The PCSP has worked with the PSNI, Mencap, Disability Action, Autism NI, Causeway Neurodiversity, Education Authority Youth Service and the Hate Crime Advocacy Service to plan and develop the new
resource, with a particular focus on young people.
A recent PCSP consultation highlighted that people living with a disability said they would feel safer if others were more educated about disabilities, while 63% of carers said that increased education and awareness about disability hate crime is needed.
Over the last 12 months, the PCSP has hosted training courses on Makaton and Learning Disability Awareness with participants gaining a better understanding of the needs of others. The Partnership is keen to build on this as it aims to create greater awareness about what Disability Hate Crime is, and the impact it can have.
Chairperson of the PCSP George Duddy said: “Incidents of Disability Hate Crime have a detrimental effect on victims and their families with many people left feeling unsafe and vulnerable going about their daily lives which is totally unacceptable.
“Through our recent consultation, we have learnt that many people with disabilities would feel safer if their needs were better understood, so there is a clear requirement for increased education.
“Our new animation has been developed for use in schools and youth settings, and we hope it helps to raise greater awareness among our young people about this very important issue.”
Emma Harte from Mencap added: “We want Northern Ireland to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability or autism to live happy and healthy lives in their communities.
“We are proud to be involved in this important project by the PCSP in Causeway Coast and Glens, to help take steps to make this vision a reality.”
Karen Smith from Disability Action said: “We are delighted to be working with Causeway Coast & Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership to develop this Disability Hate Crime Amination. Disability Hate Crime has been on the increase in Northern Ireland and working together like this we can find new ways of creating conversations that can make a difference in reducing this type of Hate Crime.’
Rebecca Waugh, Disability Hate Crime Advocate said with the Hate Crime Advocacy Service, added: “I am very grateful and excited to be part of the PCSP’s project. Disability Hate Crime is hugely unreported across Northern Ireland and there are many reasons for this. Hate Crime can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s mental health and can cause further strain over and above the difficulties they may already face on a day-to-day basis.
“No one should face hate because of who they are or what they are perceived to be by others. Disability should be embraced and empowered, not attacked. If you are the unfortunate victim of a hate crime, please reach out to us – we are here to support you each step of the way.”
Emma McAllister from Autism NI said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to be involved in the development of the animation to highlight such an important issue and to recognise autism as a hidden disability.
“Often offensive phrases are used during interactions with others, and it is vital that we understand the impact of these behaviours. This animation also highlights where to find help and support which is imperative information to share.”
If you experience or witness a Disability Hate Crime you should report it to the PSNI by ringing 101 or use 999 in an emergency. Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively, you can report online via the PSNI website while the 999 BSL app is available for those who are hearing impaired.
More information about these services is available here
https://www.psni.police.uk/report