‘He Made Us a Bit Suicidal to be Honest’: Disability Studies, Hate and Victimisation

Stephen Macdonald, Catherine Donovan, John Clayton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter contributes to studies on disability hate by challenging the perception of hate crimes as isolated incidents. It critiques current criminological perspectives of hate crime, suggesting that hate crimes against disabled individuals are often part of prolonged, repeated hate incidents, forming, what the authors refer to as, hate relationships. By conceptualising the notions of ‘mate crime’ and ‘hate relationships’, this chapter expands the definition of hate crime. Drawing on data from four of the author's studies, the chapter highlights the narratives of neurodivergent and mental health communities. The chapter concludes by recommending that criminal justice agencies reframe disability hate crimes as ongoing harmful relationships rather than singular events to better address and prevent the systemic victimisation of disabled people.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMental Health, Crime and Justice
EditorsSamantha Weston, Julie Trebilcock
Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages313-337
Number of pages25
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9783031833908
ISBN (Print)9783031833892, 9783031833922
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2025

Publication series

NameCritical Criminological Perspectives
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
ISSN (Print)2731-0604
ISSN (Electronic)2731-0612

Keywords

  • Disability hate crime
  • Disability studies
  • Hate relationships
  • Mate crime
  • Social model of disability

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