Statistics on Hate Crime in Bradford District

Bradford Hate Crime Alliance is working on identifying key priorities for a revised Hate Crime Strategy.

Hate is learned behaviour.

A Hate Crime is defined as:

‘Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s race or perceived race; religion or perceived religion; sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation; disability or perceived disability and any crime motivated by hostility or prejudice against a person who is transgender or perceived to be transgender.’

However, Equality Together Bradford knows that there is a lack of understanding and under-reporting across all hate crime. We also know that there a particular barriers to understanding disability hate crime.

Disability:
A victim of any crime will have psychological and mental health impact.
“…the more someone feels targeted by racist actions and behaviours, the greater the damage to their mental health. This includes increased likelihood to develop chronic depression, anxiety and psychological distress.”

“Citizens who experience hate crime and incidents can suffer stress, anger and distress for longer than a crime that is not related to their characteristics.
Survivors are likely to feel more vulnerable after the experience and see the world as more dangerous, unpredictable and hostile.”

Equality Together Bradford has organised a focus group to take place where disabled people can have their say on what the new Hate Crime Strategy should prioritise.

The focus group will aim to understand:

  • People’s experience of abuse and harassment (this could be verbal, physical or emotional)
  • If it was reported and who it was reported to
  • What was the support/response people got
  • Reasons for not reporting
  • What would help to make people feel more confident about reporting
  • How we can make people feel more safe
  • Ideas to reduce hate crime in the district
  • Ideas to make our communities get on better together
  • Challenges to reducing hate crime and how to overcome them
  • Priorities for a new Hate Crime Strategy

For more information about having your say on Hate Crimes in Bradford, log on to- https://bradfordhatecrimealliance.com/.

About Daniella-Jade Lowe

Hello, My name is Daniella Jade Lowe. I am a PURSUN researcher and I am working on marketing myself as an Accessibility Consultant. Journalism and Politics are my passion. I have a BA degree in History and Politics. What type of disability do you have? At birth, I was diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which are neurological conditions. As a result, I use a wheelchair for mobility. What is disability to you? The only disability is a bad attitude. I have a disability. It doesn’t completely define me; it just enhances me in a way which differentiates and strengthens me. My disability should be viewed as an ability: to see the world in a different way. I don’t really like the term because sometimes it indirectly implies someone is dysfunctional or helpless. The most important thing is to never make assumptions. Someone with a disability can be very, physically, fit and strong, highly intelligent and articulate. What has been your experience from the time you remember till now? - positive and negative experiences. My life as a wheelchair user has been generally okay. Wheelchair Accessibility is frustrating. I was teased a little in school. Other than that, life is great. How do you cope with: -daily activities - your disability, do you have times when you are down - people's reactions towards you. I have carers, a Social worker, District Nurses, a GP, and extended family in this country. I am also in contact with a local disability charity in Yorkshire. I also have a friendly landlord. How do you keep yourself motivated? I must stay organised and practice good time management. I also prioritise my plans. What is your word or advice - to those with disabilities? - to the society Don’t let people put you in a box. You have a voice, use it. 10. Tell us about your platforms if you have any- Blog: The View from Where I Sit Facebook: Daniella Jade Lowe Instagram: @daniellajadelowe/@theviewfromwheresitblog Thank you!