About hate crime and the warning signs

If you, and the person you care for, understand the risks and warning signs of autism and learning disability hate crime, you will be better prepared to prevent it and report it.

A hate crime is any crime where somebody is targeted because of their disability.

A hate incident is when somebody is targeted because of their disability, but the act committed against them doesn’t amount to a crime. Multiple hate incidents committed by the same person against the same victim can become a hate crime.

Spotting the warning signs

Hate crime can come in different forms, and it might not be clear that someone is a victim. You know the person you care for best – if you notice something that concerns you, it’s important you try to understand what has caused it.

Some warning signs can be:

  • they are using harmful coping strategies, such as self-harm or alcohol abuse
  • their anxiety has increased with no immediate cause
  • there are changes in their self-care and hygiene.

Coercion or mate crime

“A group of people pretended to be my friends and conned me out of £4,000.”

  • They are giving away their possessions or money.
  • Their possessions or money are going missing.
  • They talk about friends but their stories are concerning.
  • They smell of alcohol or there’s signs of drug abuse.

Theft

“I had my mobile phone stolen in GCSEs…at uni other students told me I was targeted because I was weird.”

  • Their possessions or money are going missing.

Property damage

“We had equipment provided to keep our disabled child safe repeatedly damaged and were mocked for having extra needs.”

  • Their possessions or property is damaged or destroyed.

Physical or sexual abuse

“My son was bullied at school and online…He has been called a r****d and a boy tried to gouge his eyes out.”

  • They have suspicious marks or bruises.
  • They are sore or have markings around their genitals or other areas of their body.
  • Their mood has changed, they might retreat or display challenging behaviour.

Verbal abuse or intimidation

“I’ve been called a paedophile, druggie, weirdo, r****d…”

  • Their mood has changed, they might retreat or display challenging behaviour.
  • Their possessions or property is damaged or destroyed.
  • They are afraid to go somewhere, leave their home or go home.