Learning difficulties hate crime to be closely monitored in Lambeth

Hate crime directed at people with learning difficulties to be closely monitored in Lambeth Hate crime directed at people with learning difficulties to be closely monitored in Lambeth

Lambeth Council in partnership with the police believe hate crime is underreported by those with learning difficulties. The partnership designed the form using pictures and symbols to encourage victims to report to police their experiences of bullying, harassment, and intimidation. Crime such as assault is illustrated by a person being kicked and theft with a picture of money being removed from a wallet. Each image carries a tick box next to it so people with learning difficulties can identify which crime affected them.

Report forms will be available in Lambeth schools, colleges, and libraries, plus front line agencies which support people with learning difficulties. Although designed for the needs of people with learning difficulties, the form is available to use by anyone who has been a victim of hate crime.

Cabinet member for Community Safety, Mark Bennett, said: “I want to raise the profile of hate crime generally so that all sections of Lambeth’s community know that it is unacceptable and that the police and council are working together to deal with it. We are sending out a clear message to the community that disability hate crime is taken seriously in Lambeth. We believe disability crime is under-reported across London as a whole because people are unsure of the reporting methods and it is hoped this form will go some way to addressing the need. This is vital if these issues are to be tackled.”

The hate crime initiative will be formally launched at Lambeth Accord, Brixton Road, at 10am on Tuesday, March 24. The launch will include speeches from George Marsham, Divisional Director of Adults and Social Care, DCI Paul Hudson, and Cllr Lorna Campbell. Other highlights include workshops on keeping safe, disability hate crime, speaking to police, and completing the form. Various agencies involved in helping people with learning difficulties will also be on hand to give advice.