Disabled people in Ireland targeted in hidden 'mate crime', new research report warns

Disabled people in Ireland face mate crime in which individuals befriend and manipulate them for exploitation, coercion, abuse, or criminal activity. Reported experiences include financial exploitation, online targeting and scams, grooming, coercive control, misuse of accommodation, sexual exploitation, and social isolation. Many people do not initially recognize the behaviour as abuse or exploitation, and reporting is hindered by shame, fear of losing relationships, concerns about being believed, and worries about Garda and justice system responses. The absence of a specific criminal offence or formal recognition of mate crime contributes to the issue remaining largely hidden. Exploitation results in financial hardship, loss of confidence, fear, emotional distress, and reduced independent living and community participation.

"Disabled people in Ireland are falling victim to "mate crime" where they are befriended and manipulated for exploitation, coercion, abuse, or criminal activity, new research shows. It highlights their experiences including financial exploitation, online targeting, misuse of accommodation, coercive control, sexual exploitation and barriers faced by disabled people when seeking support or reporting concerns."

"People who took part in the research described experiences involving online scams, financial exploitation, grooming, coercion, social isolation and situations where individuals posing as friends gradually exploited trust. A recurring theme across the interviews and focus groups was that many did not initially recognise what was happening to them as abuse or exploitation, while others were reluctant to report experiences due to shame, fear of losing friendships or relationships, concerns about not being believed, or worries about Garda and justice system responses."

"They also highlighted the absence of a specific criminal offence or formal recognition of mate crime in Ireland as contributing to the issue remaining largely hidden. They told of experiences of exploitation leading to financial hardship, loss of confidence, fear, emotional distress, social isolation, and significant negative impacts on independent living and participation in their community. Stakeholders and participants strongly agreed that the issue remains significantly underreported, said the research."

Read at Irish Independent