News

A third of disabled people in Scotland suffer hate crime attacks at least once a month, a new survey has revealed.

The poll of 158 disabled people also finds that almost half had experienced verbal abuse, intimidation or physical attacks as a result of their disability. Attacks were most likely to take place in public places and be perpetrated by complete strangers.

The attacks had significant effects on victims, with a third having to avoid specific places and change their routine, and a quarter having to move home.

Disability Rights Commission and Capability Scotland, which carried out the research, have called for law changes to protect disabled people against hate crime, for new ways to support disabled victims, and a campaign to tackle prejudice.