NEW ways to tackle disability hate crime across Gloucestershire has been discussed throughout the county at a special event organised by the county council.

The event brought together many of the council’s partners including Gloucestershire Police, South West Crown Prosecution Service, Victim Support and Restorative Gloucestershire, as well as people with disabilities across the county to understand what disability hate crime is and how best to tackle the issue.

A hate crime is a criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability or perceived disability.

There was also an opportunity to share the success stories from community projects across Gloucestershire including Building Circles in Gloucestershire, Kingfisher and Safer Gloucester who are all working hard to reduce disability hate crime in the county.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, deputy leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We and our partners are committed to combating disability hate crime in Gloucestershire. This event brought together a number of organisations and people all determined to raise awareness of hate crime in our community.

“Together we can better understand why disability hate crime happens and the best way to tackle it.”

If a crime has been committed against you because of your disability you should report it to the police on 101.