In April 2005 the law was changed by section 146 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (CJA).
Section 146 did not create any new offences; it imposed a duty upon courts to increase the sentence for any offence (for example, assault or criminal damage) aggravated by hostility based on the victim’s disability (or presumed disability).
Support available
Listed below are support agencies aimed at victims of disability hate. You can also view our Hate Crime Support Services page which details all hate crime support groups.
Action on Elder Abuse
Tel: 0808 8088141
Age UK
Tel: 0800 107 8977
Dunstable Disability Resource Centre
Tel: 01582 470900
Independent Age
Tel: 0800 319 6789
Stop Learning Disability Hate Crime HELPLINE
Tel: 0808 802 1155