#VisibleHate: together we can stop it

In January 2020 we published new independent research which revealed that seven in ten people experience negative behaviour such as stares, abuse and bullying because of how they look.

Over a quarter (28%) of people with a visible difference have experienced a hate crime.

Almost half of those who have experienced negative behaviours say they have lost confidence. Over a third (35%) say they now feel anxious when they go out and over a quarter (27%) say it has had a negative impact on their mental health.

Appearance-related abuse has to end

No one should experience abuse, in person or online, because of how they look. Following our media launch, millions of people have watched our campaign film, raising awareness of appearance-related hate crime and abuse.

If you would like to keep up to date with the next steps for #VisibleHate, as well as hear more about our services, news, stories from people affected by visible difference, and other ways to get involved, join our mailing list to receive future email updates.

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The mental side of the abuse that I had to face really halted my development from a teenager into a young man. I didn’t go out with my friends at the weekend. I didn’t really socialise with anyone because of the prejudice that I had to face on a daily basis. – Rory

Getting support

Have you, or someone you know, experienced abuse or harassment because of a visible difference? You don’t have to deal with these experiences alone.

We offer confidential practical, emotional and psychological support to people with a visible difference.

You can also read about what a hate crime is and how to report it, if you or someone you know experiences #VisibleHate.

Words hurt. Comments aren’t forgotten. Even though I wish I could forget them, they will stay with me forever, no matter how hard I try to leave them in the past. – Prisha

My #VisibleHate stories

Changing Faces champions are sharing their stories. They are speaking out to end #VisibleHate.

• Emma is sharing her story so people understand #VisibleHate has to end. She was born with Char syndrome which affects the structure of the face as well as flattening of the nose. She is also very visually impaired.
• Phil is speaking out so more people join us to stop #VisibleHate. He was born with a birthmark that covers three quarters of his face and parts of his body.
• Rory is sharing his story so more people join us to stop #VisibleHate. Rory is 26 years old, from Scotland and is an active campaigner for Changing Faces. He has a large facial birthmark. 

Help us to make sure their voices are heard by sharing our campaign today. If you’re interested in finding out more about the research we carried out to inform this campaign, further information is available in our press release.

Having a disfigurement means never having a day off. I don’t get to take my scars off and forget about them. Every day when I leave my house I need to check in with myself to see how I am going to handle the stares or comments. – Tulsi