Mate crime is a form of disability-related exploitation or abuse. It happens when someone pretends to be a friend (“mate”) in order to take advantage of a disabled or vulnerable person. The abuser acts like a friend but uses the relationship to exploit the person and it can happen to people with learning disabilities, Autism, ADHD, mental health conditions, or anyone vulnerable, of any age.

Abuse can be financial including things like stealing money, or asking them to pay for things or lend money. All of this can lead to emotional and in some cases physical, abuse.

This training will explore further what it is, how to spot it and what to do about it including the legal process.