Hate crime hits third of disabled Scots

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.