12 September 2011
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) launched their report on their inquiry into disability-related harassment online today at 10.30am.
An extract from the report, Hidden in plain sight, says:
“The harassment of disabled people is not confined to just a few extreme cases. The incidents which reach the courts and the media are just the most public examples of a profound social problem. For many disabled people, harassment is an unwelcome part of everyday life.
“And too often that harassment can take place in full view of other people and the authorities without being recognised for what it is.
“A culture of disbelief exists around this issue.
“The harassment of disabled people can take many different forms, including bullying, cyber-bullying, physical violence, sexual harassment and assault, domestic violence, financial exploitation and institutional abuse.
“Harassment takes place in many different settings, including in the home, on public transport and in public places, and at school or college. Harassment can be perpetrated by strangers, but also by friends, partners and family members.
“Disabled people often do not want to report harassment when it occurs, for a range of reasons including fear of consequences, concerns that they won’t be believed and lack of information about who to report it to.”
Take a look at our other news stories.
