Real welcomes the Government’s action to amend the Crime and Policing Bill to equalise hate crime law, bringing offences motivated by disability, sexual orientation, and transgender identity into line with those based on race and religion. The proposed amendment will be formalised through a Parliamentary vote later this year and is widely expected to pass.
Real and many partner organisations have worked for years to advocate for this change. It reflects long-standing calls for equal protection under the law for all victims of hate crime.
For too long, disabled people have experienced abuse, harassment, and hostility without the same legal recognition or safeguards as other groups. This has created barriers to reporting, investigation, and access to justice.
At Real, we see the impact of this inequality every day.
The Reality for Disabled Victims
We regularly support disabled people who experience sustained abuse in their homes, communities, and workplaces. Many face barriers when reporting hate crime, including fear of retaliation, inaccessible reporting processes, and concerns about not being taken seriously.
One example is Sam, a disabled man who experienced prolonged verbal abuse from a housemate. Despite repeated complaints, the landlord failed to take action. Sam had complex mental and physical health needs, and the situation became increasingly unsafe.
Our adviser raised safeguarding concerns, documented incidents, and worked closely with the landlord, local authority, and healthcare professionals. We explored alternative housing options and provided ongoing emotional support. When Sam later required hospital treatment under the Mental Health Act, the case was transferred to a specialist advocate to ensure continuity of care.
Under previous legislation, cases like Sam’s were often restricted by narrow time limits and procedural barriers, which meant victims did not always have enough time to safely report abuse or see investigations completed.
This change in the law will give victims and survivors like Sam more time to report their experiences. It will also give the police more time to thoroughly investigate and build cases against perpetrators, improving access to criminal justice for disabled victims of hate crime.
Why This Change Matters in Practice
Equalising hate crime legislation brings concrete changes in how cases are handled.
It means that disability-motivated hate crimes will now be treated with the same legal seriousness as those based on race or religion. This strengthens how cases are recorded, prioritised, and prosecuted.
It also reduces the risk of cases being closed prematurely due to restrictive time limits, allowing investigations to be completed properly and evidence to be gathered more effectively.
For disabled victims, this can make the difference between being turned away and being supported through the justice process.
Our Commitment
Real and our partners have long called for reforms that reflect the realities faced by disabled people experiencing hate crime. We welcome this step as a practical improvement to the system.
However, legal reform must be matched by properly funded and accessible support services. Disabled victims need timely advocacy, clear information, and consistent assistance throughout reporting and investigation processes.
Without this, many will still struggle to navigate the system, even with stronger legal protections.
If you have experienced hate crime or need support, Real is here to help. Please contact us to find out more about our Hate Crime advocacy and Real Support services.
