The Equality and Human Rights Commission (Commission) is presently conducting a formal inquiry into disability related harassment (disfigurement is classified as a disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and in the Equality Act which will come into force soon). The aim is to find out what public authorities can do to prevent harassment against people who have a disability or a disfigurement.
If you have a disfigurement and have experienced harassment you could help public authorities to improve measures to stamp out harassment. This inquiry is now closed.
When we refer to disfigurement, we mean someone who has a mark, rash, scar or skin graft on thier skin or lack of symmetry or paralysis to their face or body including:
A birth condition e.g.: a birthmark, neurofibromatosis, cleft lip and/or palate, craniofacial condition
Scars from accidents, burns or mistakes in cosmetic procedures
An injury from warfare and violence, for example, acid and knife attacks
Some people use the word ‘bullying’ when they are talking about harassment. Harassment in this context means unwanted, exploitative or abusive conduct which has the purpose or effect of either:
1. Violating the dignity, safety, security or autonomy of the person experiencing it or
2. Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment.
Disfigurement-related harassment:
Examples of harassment include:
This enquiry is now closed and the results will be made available soon.
If you have a question regarding harassment please email info@changingfaces.org.uk. .
Personal information will be treated as confidential and will not be used except for the purposes of the Inquiry. The Commission may refer to your evidence in the final report or may publish extracts from it. Information will be anonymised unless you consent to being identified. If the Commission propose to publish evidence identifying you, they will contact you beforehand to discuss this.
In 2009, the Commission conducted research into the safety and security of disabled people, including people with disfigurements. The full research can be downloaded here.