‘ I fear for what other people are going through ’: the cyber-victimisation of disabled adults in Northern Ireland

Cyber-victimisation of disabled people is prevalent and has serious consequences on people’s wellbeing and daily life. In Northern Ireland, where one in five people is disabled, disability hate crimes have reached their highest recorded level. Yet the perspectives of those targeted online remain underrepresented. This study examined the scope, characteristics, and impact of cyber-victimisation of disabled people in Northern Ireland. It also investigated the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a public health emergency, on disability-related cyber-hate. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining an online survey of 113 participants with qualitative input from 17 participants through interviews and written responses. Findings showed that 30.1% experienced cyber-victimisation, significantly affecting the management of long-term conditions. Participants highlighted harmful public attitudes, the role of social media and called for public education, and multidisciplinary approaches. The findings resonate with wider patterns of societal attitudes seen across the UK and reinforce the need for interventions.