Discriminatory Abuse
Everyone deserves respect—regardless of who they are.
Discriminatory abuse is any form of harassment, bullying, or mistreatment based on someone’s identity or protected characteristics. It’s not just offensive—it’s abusive, harmful, and in many cases, illegal.
Whether it happens in a relationship, workplace, care setting, school, or online—discrimination is abuse when it causes harm, fear, or distress.
What Is Discriminatory Abuse?
Discriminatory abuse targets individuals or groups because of:
- Race or ethnic background
- Religion or belief
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Disability
- Age
- Nationality or immigration status
Abusers may use slurs, threats, harassment, exclusion, or violence to degrade and control others. This abuse can be verbal, emotional, physical, financial—or a mix of these.
Examples of Discriminatory Abuse
- Using racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, or ableist slurs
- Mocking someone’s accent, religion, or disability
- Refusing medical care or services due to someone’s identity
- Isolating or excluding someone because of who they are
- Making degrading jokes or comments in personal, professional, or care settings
- Denying opportunities (housing, jobs, education) because of race, disability, or religion
- Threatening someone based on their immigration or asylum status
- Forcing someone to conform to cultural or gender norms
- Assuming someone is “less capable” due to age or ability
“I was told not to ‘make a fuss’ about my carer calling me a slur. But it wasn’t just once—it was every day, and it made me feel like I didn’t belong in my own home.”
— Elaine, disabled woman in supported living
Is Discriminatory Abuse a Crime?
Yes. Discriminatory abuse may violate several UK laws, including:
- The Equality Act 2010
- Hate Crime legislation
- Care Act 2014 (for adults at risk)
- Public Order Act 1986
Hate crimes and hate incidents are punishable offences if motivated by hostility based on identity. If you or someone you know is being targeted, report it.
Report hate crime: Call 101 or report anonymously at crimestoppers-uk.org
Who Might Experience Discriminatory Abuse?
Discriminatory abuse can affect:
- Older adults in care or supported housing
- LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially young people and trans women
- Disabled people reliant on care, services, or benefits
- Refugees, migrants, and people seeking asylum
- People from Black, Asian, or other ethnic minority communities
- Neurodivergent individuals
- Anyone facing multiple marginalisations (intersectional abuse)
Impact of Discriminatory Abuse
Experiencing identity-based abuse can lead to:
- Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Withdrawal from community, services, or work
- Feelings of shame, fear, or worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Loss of independence or trust in others
How We Can Help
Our support services are inclusive, confidential, and here for you. We can:
- Help you report abuse or hate crimes safely
- Provide emotional support or counselling
- Support with care transitions or safe housing
- Offer advocacy with employers, councils, or care providers
- Connect you to specialist LGBTQIA+, disability, or refugee support services
Everyone deserves to feel safe and accepted—no matter their background or identity.
Training for Organisations
We offer specialist training to help schools, employers, charities and healthcare providers tackle discriminatory abuse, including:
- Cultural competency and anti-racism
- LGBTQIA+ inclusive safeguarding
- Disability awareness in care settings
- Equality and unconscious bias in the workplace