Attacks on vulnerable are ‘disgusting’, seminar told

The importance of reporting hate crime to the authorities has been stressed at an awareness raising seminar in Carrickfergus.
Joanne Sansome, REAL Network, Dermot McCloskey,  deputy interim chief executive Disability Action, Justice Minister David Ford and Shane Gorman, Disability Hate Crime advocate. INCT 09-709-CONJoanne Sansome, REAL Network, Dermot McCloskey,  deputy interim chief executive Disability Action, Justice Minister David Ford and Shane Gorman, Disability Hate Crime advocate. INCT 09-709-CON
Joanne Sansome, REAL Network, Dermot McCloskey, deputy interim chief executive Disability Action, Justice Minister David Ford and Shane Gorman, Disability Hate Crime advocate. INCT 09-709-CON

Disability Action hosted the free event - one in a series of three funded by the PSNI - at the Clarion Hotel for individuals and support organisations to increase awareness around what a disability hate crime is, how to go about reporting it and what support is available.

Speaking at the Belfast Road venue, Justice Minister David Ford said: “In Northern Ireland we see examples of hate crime in respect of race, religion, sexual orientation and disability. Attacks on vulnerable people are particularly disgusting.

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“Reporting of such incidents is vitally important, so that perpetrators can be caught and put before the courts and so victims can get the support they need. No-one should have to suffer from any type of hate incident.”

Disability Action deputy chief executive Dermot McCloskey added: “We believe that by working together with people with disabilities, disability organisations, the PSNI and local government we can help to prevent and tackle hate crime to ensure a fully inclusive society.”

Hate crime can be reported via the police switchboard on 0845 600 8000 or the Disability Hate Crime advocate can report one on your behalf on 028 9066 128.

Northern Ireland Hate Crime Inspector Cheryl Ross said police are firmly committed to thoroughly investigating all reported incidents.