91Èȱ¬

Research from mental health charity MIND in 2007 indicated that seven out of 10 people with mental health problems or learning difficulties are targeted for abuse and harassment.

Much of this goes unreported - it's accepted as part of life: an attitude that disabled organisations want to challenge to encourage more reporting of such incidents.

But even when police do get involved, disability campaigners like Scope say they're not always dealing with such offences appropriately.

Scope's report last year about the hidden extent of disability hate crime highlighted 50 cases of serious attacks on disabled people - including some murders - yet just one of these cases was actually recorded and pursued as hate crime.

These included a number of Welsh cases, including the death of Christopher Foulks in Rhyl, who was attacked in his wheelchair.

Campaigners want an overhaul of the way such crimes are logged and the way data about them is centrally collated. They say this is the "poor relation" of the hate crime strands and needs more attention and focus.

The Crown Prosecution Service and police accept there are shortcomings and have pledged to address this.

Gwent Police last week held a special conference to raise awareness about hate crime, while crown prosecutors are reviewing files of unsuccessful prosecutions of crimes against disabled people, in a drive to improve convictions.

If you have concerns about any of the issues raised in this programme, the following organisations can help:

- works to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society. Helpline: 0845 604 8810

- provides support for people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable people who have experienced crime or abuse, as well as their families, carers and professional workers. Helpline: 0845 122 8695

- offers information and opportunities for campaigning for the rights, equality and independence of disabled people in Wales. Telephone: 029 2088 7325

- supports people with learning disabilities, enabling them to live independently and train for and find employment. Helpline: 0808 808 1111

- develops and promotes a number of local and national initiatives aimed at achieving equality for disabled people. Telephone: 029 2046 1703

- works for the 100,000 people in Wales with serious sight loss. It campaigns for the inclusion of people with sight loss, runs pilot projects within communities and promotes eye health by running public health awareness campaigns. Telephone: 029 2045 0440