Equality and Human Rights Commission

Inquiry into disability-related harassment

12 September 2011

"I cannot explain to you what a living hell it's been"
 Woman with mobility impairment, aged 31-59

The findings from our formal inquiry launched today reveal that disability harassment is a common experience for many disabled people living in Wales. It is widespread and a culture of disbelief has prevented public authorities from dealing with it effectively.

Our evidence shows that we are a long way from a Wales that treats everyone with dignity and respect. Last year around 100,000 disabled adults in Wales were victims of crime. We know that the incidents which are reported to the police and reach the courts are just the tip of the iceberg.

Disabled people told us that they routinely experience different forms of harassment such as name calling, physical violence, bullying and cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, domestic violence and financial exploitation. All this is hidden in plain sight in quiet rural villages, busy towns and our cities the length and breadth of Wales.

One family told us about living in fear every day and described years of abuse and harassment from neighbours. 'We’ve had petrol poured round our vehicle, threats to fire bomb our home, the vehicle scratched' they said. '...four lots of attacks with bricks, oil and creosote all over it and three bags of paint over our property.'

A disabled man in his 30’s said of using public transport: 'Then I had a tirade of abuse, being called a f****** cripple. Told I should be grateful to get on a bus and stop bloody moaning.'

Some disabled people who gave evidence said they just accept harassment as inevitable and live with it. Others described rearranging their lives to avoid abusive situations. Often low level incidents escalate and, tragically, sometimes end in torture and death.

Based on evidence collected in Wales and, because many of the levers for change are devolved, we have identified four areas for intervention:

• Partnerships and leadership: A determination to eliminate harassment needs to be shown by leaders. Partnerships that prevent and respond to harassment and share effective practice should be encouraged, including piloting Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences.
• Equality duties: The new equality duties should be used to prioritise tackling disability harassment.
• Safeguarding: A human-rights based approach to safeguarding should be introduced by the Welsh Government.
• Increasing reporting: We want to see an increase in reporting and call on public authorities to put in place measures to ensure a positive reporting experience and effective support.

Kate Bennett, National Director for Wales, Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

'Our findings paint a shocking picture of people living with fear of abuse such as name-calling, spitting and violence on a routine basis. Because the response to it is so inadequate many disabled people see harassment as inevitable and something to live with.

'That's just not acceptable and we can do so much better in Wales if we work together to prevent and eliminate harassment as a matter of urgency.

'For example, public authorities could use the new public sector duties to set tackling this issue as a priority - social services, the police, schools and local hospitals could share information about incidents and prompt action could be taken to prevent abuse escalating.

'Many incidents happen close to home and housing providers could train staff to intervene to prevent harassment or alert police and other agencies.

'Transport has emerged as a 'hotspot' for harassment and bus and train providers could train staff to recognise and report all incidents. Schools could work with transport providers to tackle harassment of disabled people by pupils on buses and trains.'

Rhian Davies, Wales Committee member, said the inquiry had revealed a serious failure to respond effectively to harassment.

'These inquiry findings provide compelling evidence about the damaging impact of disability harassment on people's lives and the need for public authorities to improve how they respond. This is an issue that should be at the top of everyone’s agenda.

'The Commission will be working with public bodies, third sector and disabled people’s organisations and members of the public, to prevent harassment so that disabled people can go about their everyday life without experiencing abuse and violence. At the heart of this is changing attitudes so that disabled people are treated with dignity and respect in Wales.

Jane Hutt, the Minister for Finance and Leader of the House, said:

'The Welsh Government will give serious consideration to the recommendations.  As Minister for Equalities, I am committed to ensure that we can build a Welsh society that treats people with dignity and respect. We all have a duty to ensure that disabled people are able to live a life without fear.

Ends

Notes for editors:

If you would like more information or book an interview then please contact Saska Shepherd on 02920 447787 or email Saska.shepherd@equalityhumanrights.com.

If you would like to read the report and findings in full then please go to www.equalityhumanrights.com/walesdhfi.

There is also individual inquiry evidence from areas all across Wales which are available by emailing or calling the contact details above. If you would like web or broadcast quality case studies (digital stories), then we also have them available on request.

We also have a Facebook page and a twitter feed that you can follow for updates at #disbelief.