Edinburgh and Dundee launch Keep Safe initiative

Date: 26th July 2016
Category: Disabled children

The Keep Safe initiative has now been launched in both Dundee and Edinburgh. The aim of the Keep Safe initiative is to ensure that disabled people - including children and young people - can enjoy ordinary day to day life and activities free from the fear of abuse or intimidation.

Disability Hate Crime is one of the most under reported crimes in the UK, with an estimated 97% going unreported. Many incidents go unreported as disabled people accept abuse and harassment as part of daily life. There are 1 million people in Scotland registered as disabled or with a long term illness.

The Keep Safe initiative works with a network of businesses such as shops, libraries and cafes who have agreed to make their premises a 'Keep Safe' place for people to go if they feel frightened, distressed or are the victim of crime when out in the community. Disabled and elderly people who wish to take part in the initiative are issued with a contact card which will contain details of the person's name, any health concerns, any communication needs and helpful contact details for friends or family.

The initiative has been created in conjunction with the I Am Me project, a community charity that works in partnership with Police Scotland to raise awareness of and tackle disability hate crime.

• Find out more about the Keep Safe initiative in this video.
• Visit the I Am Me Scotland website.