Geographies of Disability Hate Crime

The chapter explores the geographies of disability hate crime at a range of scales and in a diverse set of spaces. It argues that applying a geographical lens to the study of disability hate can deepen understanding and strengthen responses. Focusing on the United Kingdom, it shows that there is a pattern of reported hate across police force areas, and within local authorities, although evidence is limited by significant underreporting. The chapter argues that it is at community and local neighbourhood scales that the complex socio-spatial dynamics of disability hate becomes evident. A qualitative study of disabled people's experiences shows that there is a local geography of hate, with hate more likely to occur on public transport and in accessible spaces. Further, it is in the micro-geographies in and near disabled people's homes where there are in some cases cumulative ‘hate relationships’ between disabled people and neighbours and acquaintances. The chapter concludes by arguing that these different geographies can be spaces where potentially counter-narrative and active responses to disability hate can be developed.