Harrogate campaigner speaks out about being target of appearance related hate crime
It's as a new report suggests a rise in incidents
There's been a rise in the number of hate crime incidents against people with visible differences or disfigurements.
A third of people asked by the charity Changing Faces say they've experienced discrimination - compared to 28% in 2019.
Almost a quarter say they didn't report the crime because they didn't think they'd be taken seriously.
Isobel Cameron from Harrogate was born with a cleft lip and palate and tells us about some of the things she's experienced: "People taking photos, for no reason, there is no way to really prove it unless you go to someone and 'say were you taking a photo of me?', and they can easily say no, you are just being paranoid. Stares on the street, things like that, children are particularly very interested."
Isobel tells us in one of the most hurtful cases, her parents home was vandalised: "It should have been taken so seriously but at the time, but it wasn't it was just classed as bullying. There wasn't any motive really, apart from my face."
North Yorkshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner has responded to the report by Changing Face, Zoë Metcalfe said:
“Targeting someone because of their physical appearance, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability is cruel, heartless, unacceptable and goes against everything I stand for as Commissioner.
“The national statistics released today by Changing Faces UK are no doubt worrying and demonstrate that every force area needs to do more to tackle hate crimes and support victims.
“Here in York and North Yorkshire I continue to strive for more".
“I know hate crimes are happening and I encourage anyone facing this kind of discrimination to report to the police – let’s welcome increased reporting of hate crimes and see it as an opportunity to offer specialist support to victims, gather evidence to target and educate offenders and make necessary convictions.
“Importantly support is, and always will be available from the Supporting Victims team without the need to make a formal report to the police.
“I want to thank Isobel from the Changing Faces charity for reaching out to me to highlight the prejudice people with physical differences receive on a daily basis, and I’m really looking forward to meeting with her and offering my ongoing support as our organisations continue to tackle hate crimes and support victims.”