A survey of people with learning disabilities has revealed a catalogue of hate crimes including assaults. Paul Stephenson reports

A survey by Barnsley’s hate crime group has revealed high levels of abuse of people with learning disabilities. The survey of 145 people found that more than one third had been physically assaulted, and almost one in five had been spat at on the street. The attacks have had long-lasting effects for some people, including making them afraid to leave their homes and preventing them from seeking work. The group is now working on materials to educate school children and the public on the effects of hate crime on people’s lives.