Overview

The Commission is undertaking an inquiry into disability-related harassment and how well this is currently being addressed by public authorities. Some people use the word bullying when they are talking about harassment.

We want to hear from anyone who has been bullied or harassed and from organisations that work for/with disabled people, including voluntary and community sector organisations, public authorities (such as local councils, police, housing, social services and education) and public transport operators.

Watch this clip that explains some of the issues relating to this inquiry.

This video is also available without subtitles, with Welsh subtitles and in BSL.

• Introduction
• Terms of Reference (and our response to the consultation)
• Secure online questionnaire and portal
• Questionnaire for disabled people, their friends, family and associates
• Call for Evidence form for organisations
• BSL videos about the Inquiry
• Download this information in Easy Read (Word)

Introduction

On 3 December 2009, International Day of Disabled People, the Commission announced its intention to conduct a formal Inquiry into the actions of public authorities to eliminate disability-related harassment and its causes.

The Commission’s Inquiry powers enable us to compel evidence, call witnesses and make recommendations against which we expect action to follow. Because this is a formal Inquiry under the Equality Act, the law says we have to have terms of reference.

The terms of reference tell us what the Inquiry is allowed to hear evidence about so it is important we get them right. We consulted with disabled people and other stakeholders on the terms of reference for the Inquiry and, following an analysis of the responses, published the final terms of reference online.

Now that we have published the final terms of reference, we can begin taking evidence. If you have been harassed because of your disability, or someone close to you has been affected, we want to hear about your experience. If your organisation works for people who are Deaf or disabled, including those with mental health conditions, or supports people who have been victim of harassment, we’d also like to hear from you.

Read more detail about our Call for Evidence and how you can respond.