Derby-based national charity launches disability hate crime film: "Bully for You"

26 January 2011

Tuesday 8 February 2011, Cinema 2, The QUAD, Derby, 3pm

Christine Lakinski, David Askew, Frankie Hardwick and Sean Miles all had learning disabilities. They were all picked on because they were different. And they all died because they were different: they were all victims of disability hate crime.

Their real-life stories feature in a new film produced by Voice UK, the Derby-based charity which helps achieve justice for vulnerable victims of abuse.

The aim of the DVD – entitled Bully for You - is to raise awareness of disability hate crime. The main storyline centres on Ben, a young man with Down's syndrome, played by Sam Barnard, an actor with learning disabilities. His story, although fictional, is based on real events. Ben has been the target of verbal and physical abuse all his life. He and his mum struggle to cope. Their home is terrorised. And things go from bad to worse as the film reaches its tragic climax.

Ben thinks it's just bullying. The authorities think it's just anti-social behaviour. But, as the film shows, it is much deeper than that: it is disability hate crime.

Interspersed with the main story are the real-life tragedies, presented by disabled volunteers from Derbyshire. As well as raising awareness, it's hoped the film will encourage more disabled people to come forward to police if they believe they are victims of disability hate crime – perhaps the least recognised and reported of all forms of hate crime.

Voice UK Chief Executive, Kathryn Stone OBE said: "We're all extremely pleased with the DVD, and hope that it will encourage people to do more and to raise awareness of disability hate crime. We also hope this will help more people recognise if they are the victim of a disability hate crime and allow them the confidence to report it."

The DVD will officially be launched on Tuesday 8 February at Derby QUAD, Cinema 2 at 3pm -5pm. Cream teas and refreshments will be provided.

After the film there will be the opportunity to speak to the actors, presenters and Voice UK team about disability hate crime and what difference we can all make.

If you would be interested in attending or would like more information about Voice UK please contact Voice UK on 01332 291042 or email training@voiceuk.org.uk.

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