Approximately 1% of disability hate crimes reported to police in England and Wales last year resulted in a criminal charge, according to research conducted by the charities Leonard Cheshire and United Response. The organizations submitted Freedom of Information requests to 43 police forces, receiving data from 36. Of the more than 11,000 reported incidents, 99% ended without a charge.
According to Ali Gunn of United Response, roughly 50% of the cases that did not result in a charge were attributed to victims withdrawing support, difficulties with evidence despite identified suspects, or the inability of police to locate a suspect. The charities have proposed that police forces appoint Disability Liaison Officers to assist victims through the reporting and legal processes.
Home Office data released for the year ending March 2022 recorded 14,242 disability hate crimes, representing a 43% increase over the previous year. Stalking and harassment were identified as the most frequent offense types. The National Police Chiefs' Council stated it is seeking to understand the factors behind the low charge rates, while a Home Office spokesperson attributed the rising number of reports to improved police recording methods.