New research has shown that a third of people with a visible difference or disfigurement have faced hate crime. The charity Changing Faces is campaigning to try and put a stop to this.
The organisation, which has its main English base at The Circle in Sheffield city centre, says that the latest research also found that half of those with a visible difference reported that they experienced hostile behaviours, like stares and bullying. This increase has been steadily rising since 2019 when a third of people reported these experiences.
“Through our Visible Hate campaign, we speak out to call for an end to appearance-related hate crimes, incidents and abuse.”
Their campaigners are writing to the Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales, Police Scotland and the Northern Ireland Policing Board, highlighting this research. Together, we’re asking for their support to ensure people with a visible difference feel confident to report any hate crime or incidents they experience.
Among those backing the campaign are actor and television personality Adam Pearson.. He says: “Hate crimes, whoever they target, are despicable and not to be tolerated. Seeing the steady increases in those with a visible difference or disfigurement experiencing hate crimes is frightening. We can’t wait for a tragedy to happen before action is taken though.” He recently spoke to Sheffield-based journalist Dan Walker about this on Channel 5 Newa
You can see the campaign film featuring Adam amongst others here.
