National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020 takes place from Saturday 10 October to Saturday 17 October and is a national week of action to raise awareness of hate crime.
At Disability Equality Scotland we are deeply concerned by the increase in disability hate crime during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key concerns that has been raised relates to face covering exemptions. Face coverings became mandatory in Scotland on public transport on 22 June but there are many reasons why some people are exempt from wearing a covering, such as having a health condition or disability, including hidden disabilities.
Disability Equality Scotland’s research found that disabled people were being confronted by members of the public for not wearing a face covering and that almost 90% of respondents were fearful of being a victim of hate crime when not wearing a covering. This behaviour is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
Emma Scott, Operations Manager at Disability Equality Scotland said
“We are very concerned over the numbers of disabled people who have been challenged by strangers. It’s really important to share the message that not everyone can wear a face covering and those who are not able to wear one should not be challenged. We are asking for everyone to be more tolerant of others.”
For more information about hate crime, visit: www.accessibletravel.scot/hate-crime
Download our Promotional Toolkit
Get involved in National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2020 by downloading our promotional toolkit, with suggested text for social media posts.
