A Sociological Exploration of the Impact of Hate Crime on the
Wellbeing of People with Learning Disabilities in Scotland
Dr Phillippa Wiseman and Professor Nick Watson
Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow
Introduction
There has been very little focus on the impact that hate crime and targeted violence might have on the health and wellbeing of people with
learning disabilities in Scotland. This requires further attention in order to reduce health inequalities (Hughes et al. 2012). Hate crime
incidents by impairment group are not recorded. However, there are indications of prevalence of hate crime and targeted violence against
people with learning disabilities in particular.
What is Disability Hate Crime?
• Under the 2009 Offence (Aggravation by prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009, an offence is ‘aggravated by prejudice relating to disability’ if:
(a) At the time of committing the offence or immediately before or after doing so the offender evidences towards the victim (if any) of the
offence malice and ill-will relating to a disability (or presumed disability) of the victim, or (b) The offence is motivated (wholly or partly) by
malice and ill-will towards persons who have a disability or a particular disability
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1.9 million disabled people were victims of hate crime in the UK between 2009 and 2010 (EHRC 2011)
Reported hate crime charges rose by 20% in 2015 (Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Services)
88% of people with a learning disability had experienced hate crime and 66% of those identified as being frequent victims.
Of that 66% a third experienced harassment on a daily or weekly basis (Mencap 2000)
Evidence suggests that people with a learning disability may be more likely to be victims of hate crime than other disabled
people and are less likely to report hate crime and violence due to social barriers (Hughes et al. 2012
Project Aims
• To explore the relationship between hate crime and wellbeing for people with learning disabilities
• To investigate people with learning disabilities’ experiences of hate crime and harassment in every day life
• To examine police and organisational responses to hate crimes against people with learning disabilities
Methods
A narrative review of hate crime literature identified that further qualitative research was needed to collect evidence that helps us to
better understand how hate crime and harassment impacts upon the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities.
We will undertake semi-structured interviews with adults with learning disabilities throughout Scotland. We will also conduct
interview with representatives from disabled people’s organisations and with representatives from Police Scotland.
Linking Hate Crime and Wellbeing
• Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ WHO
Constitution 1948
• Victims of hate crime have a higher risk of psychological distress than victims of non-hate motivated crimes (Herek et al. 1999
• This distress can include anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (Bisson & Shepherd 1995).
• Disabled people are more likely to become withdrawn and isolated from support networks (EHRC 2011)
• Victims of hate crime and members of that targeted community can increase fear and depression (Boeckmann & TurpinPetrosino 2002).
• In extreme cases hate crime can result in death of the victim (Roulstone & Mason-Bish 2012
Discussion
• Health inequalities result from social inequalities. Action on health inequalities requires action across all the social determinants of
health’ (Fair Society, Healthy Lives, The Marmot Review 2010)
• Understanding of the magnitude of violence against affected groups is the first step in the public health approach to violence
prevention’
(Hughes et al. 2012)
• It is essential to recognise that role that hate crime and targeted harassment plays in reducing life-chances and healthy outcomes
for people with learning disabilities.
References
Bisson, J. I., & Shepherd, J. P. (1995). ‘Psychological reactions of victims of violent crimes.’ British Journal of Psychiatry, 167, 718-720; and Weaver, T. L., & Clum, G. A. (1995). ‘Psychological distress associated with interpersonal violence: A metaanalysis.’ Clinical Psychological Review, 15, 115-140.
Boeckmann, R. J., & Turpin-Petrosino, C. (2002). ‘Understanding the harm of hate crime.’ Journal of Social Issues, 58(2), 207-226.
EHRC (2011) Hidden in Plain Sight: Inquiry into disability related harassment.
Herek, G. M., Gillis, J. R., & Cogan, J. C. (1999). ‘Psychological sequelae of hate crime victimization among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults.’ Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67, 945-951; and Sullaway, M. (2004). ‘Psychological perspectives on hate crime laws.’ Psychology, Public
Policy, and Law, 10(3), 250-292
Hughes, Karen, et al. "Prevalence and risk of violence against adults with disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies."Lancet 379.9826 (2012): 1621-1629.
Mencap (2000) Living in Fear: The Need to Combat Bullying of People with a Learning Disability. London, Mencap
Roulstone, Alan, and Hannah Mason-Bish. Disability, hate crime and violence. Routledge, 2012.