Disability Hate Crime

This page contains information and links for reporting disability hate crime incidents

What is Disability Hate Crime?
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A disability hate crime is an act which targets a victim because of the offender’s hostility to the person’s disability or perceived disability. This includes autism and other neurodivergent conditions.

Examples of crime that may be motivated by hatred or prejudice towards disability:

  • Abuse, threats or stalking (verbal or online)
  • Assault
  • Theft or damage to the victim’s property
  • Financial or other exploitation by a person befriending the victim (also known as mate crime or cuckooing)

Some facts and figures on disability hate crime (provided by United Response):

  • In 2024/25, police forces in England and Wales received reports of nearly 12,000 disability hate crimes
  • Only 1% of disability hate crimes involving violence result in the offender being charged
  • Disability hate crimes are under-reported – a recent survey suggested that as many as 70% of victims do not report DHC against them
  • Offences motivated by hate towards disability can attract a harsher sentence at court

To report a disability hate crime:

  • In an emergency, call 999 – for non-emergencies, use an option below:
  • Call 101
  • Report online:
  • If the incident happened on a train, London Underground or DLR – text British Transport Police on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40
  • Call the Stop Hate UK helpline (click on the link to check if your area is covered)

Further information & resources: