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.
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. You can read our latest campaign update here.
Ways to get involved
When we respond to consultations, talk to MPs or authorities like the police, we share real stories of the hate incidents and hate crimes that people with visible differences have experienced and the impact they have on individuals and our community. Have you got a hate incident or hate crime experience you can share with us? It can be anonymous. Please tell us here.
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.
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
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
Changing Faces champions are sharing their stories. They are speaking out to end #VisibleHate.
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
More people are using our services than ever before. Help us to be there for everyone with a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different.