Inquiry into care for the disabled

An inquiry is to look at how police, social housing authorities and other public bodies act to protect the disabled from harassment and violence. Failure to deal with the issue adequately could lead to organisations facing enforcement action, the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned.

Courts deal with at least one crime against disabled people every working day and almost half involve violence. Mike Smith, the lead commissioner for the inquiry, said: "Harassment in public places and behind closed doors is an everyday part of life for many disabled people."

Maria Miller, the minister for Disabled People, said: "Everyone in society has the right to live life in safety and with security."