Harassment, Discrimination and Stigma

Harassment, Discrimination and Stigma:

• All occur as a result of the victim being perceived as different from the ‘general population’.  This may be because of disability, appearance and/or lifestyle.
• All usually have a negative impact on the victim.
• Like harassment, discrimination does not require intent.  However, unlike harassment, discrimination can occur by commission or omission of an act, or may be institutional, affecting a public service.
• Individuals can feel stigma even if they are not actually experiencing any negative attention.  They may feel unable to be honest about themselves in relationships, whether personal, business or vocational.

Source: ‘Give Us A Break’, published by NSF Scotland.  2001.