Formal Inquiry into the actions of public authorities to eliminate disability-related harassment and its causes
Overview
The Commission is undertaking an inquiry into disability-related harassment and how well this is currently being addressed by public authorities. We want to hear from anyone who has been harassed and from organisations that work for/with them, including voluntary and community sector organisations, public authorities (such as local councils, police, housing, social services and education) and public transport operators.
“There can be no more important human right than to live life in safety and with security. Its absence prevents us from living our lives to the full. And, for some, its absence has led to the loss of life itself. For many disabled people in Britain safety and security is a right frequently denied.”
Trevor Phillips – Promoting the safety and security of disabled people 2009
Watch this clip that explains some of the issues relating to this inquiry.
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.
