- Conference
- 2009 National Disabled Members' Conference
- Date
- 1 July 2009
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference notes that a recent report entitled ‘Promoting Safety and Security of Disabled People’ published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission showed that disabled people are at greater risk of being victims of targeted violence and hostility. The report stated that disabled people are four times more likely to be a victim of crime, with people with a learning disability or a mental illness at greatest risk of becoming a victim.
The impact of such experiences is grave, leading people to move house, avoid going out at night and lead isolated lives. Disabled people also reported that they are reluctant to report violence and hostility, believing that professionals and institutions will not respond.
Conference is concerned that UNISON members who are disabled will in the past, now and in the future, experience violence and hostility, both at work and in their every day lives. In order to address this issue Conference mandates the National Disabled Members Committee to work with the National Health and Safety Committee, the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Committee and other National SOG Committees to undertake a member survey aimed at ascertaining the extent of violence and hostility experienced by disabled members of UNISON. Conference therefore mandates the NDMC to analyse this data and to issue a summary of findings, together with advice and guidance to branches outlining how they can work with employers and members to reduce violence and aggression towards disabled employees, and to support those employees both at work and in their day to day lives. Conference also recognises the potential of additional risk to disabled LGBT people.