Do mates hate? A framing of the theoretical position of mate crime and an assessment of its practical impact

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of mate crime and attempts to assess its practical as well as its theoretical implications. Design/methodology/approach – It begins with an account of the short history of the concept and then positions mate crime within academic theorising around general hate crime and disability. Findings – Particular reference is made to the significance of the issue of vulnerability and how its interpretation might affect understanding of this phenomenon. Research limitations/implications – This is followed by some observations on how agencies of social policy and the legislature are responding to the issue of mate crime. Practical implications – Particular reference is paid to the impact of safeguarding adults procedures. Originality/value – It concludes that, although “mates” can (and do) “hate”, further research is required on the subject in order to gain better knowledge of the issue from both a theoretical and a practice position.