Wirral Autistic Society are calling on the public to help them develop an anti-mate crime campaign after a new survey found that a shocking 80% of respondents felt bullied or taken advantage of by someone they thought had been a friend.
The survey also revealed that over a third of adults with autism had been subject to bullying or manipulation of a sexual nature.
The survey’s findings prompted CEO Robin Bush to state, “Perpetrators of mate crime prey on the most vulnerable people in society and do so in the knowledge that these crimes often go unreported. It is morally reprehensible and they are cowards.”
“People with autism struggle enough with the complexities of daily life without having to live in fear that people who pretend to be their friends will actually steal from them, assault them or encourage them to commit crimes on their behalf.”
“I would encourage all stakeholders to look closely at the findings from our survey and work collaboratively to educate and eliminate hate crime from our communities.”
The survey also found:
- 85% of those with autism over 16 often feel lonely and left out.
- 74% in the 25+ age group reported that they had been manipulated or forced to do the wrong thing.
- 100% of those aged 16-25 with autism have difficulty distinguishing genuine friends from those who may bully or abuse the friendship.
For more information and to read the survey in full, please visit the website.
