Have you been harassed because of your visible difference? If so, we would like to hear from you for a new campaign.

Having a visible difference can affect daily life in a whole host of ways, from dealing with stares and comments, to having to juggle medical appointments with work responsibilities.

As part of our campaigning work, we’re going to be speaking out about how people with a visible difference have to deal with harassment and abuse both face-to-face and online.

We’re looking for more people to share with us their experiences of abuse on the street, out in public and on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You’ll need to be comfortable sharing some specific examples of what’s happened to you, how it made you feel and how you dealt with it. If the abuse was online, did you involve moderators or social media platforms to stop the negative comments or report them?

We’re particularly looking for people who are willing to share their experiences with the media. We will provide training to help you prepare for any interviews, and we can edit stories you share with us. Please send a summary of your experiences and your contact details to [e-mail].

[principessar16]

Hi - I've experienced discrimination and misjudgment, certainly stares and rude comments, although I'm not sure that qualifies as abuse? This was also almost entirely in either the US or continental Europe - I only moved to the UK two months ago. But I'm happy to talk to you about my experiences and/or help develop questions that you could ask of UK citizens or already-long-term residents if that would be helpful?

I've never - fortunately - actually been attacked or physically hurt because of my facial disabilities.

[Hidden in reply to principessar16]

Hi principessar16, Thanks so much for your message. And for sharing your experience of hate crime. A hate crime doesn't just need to be physical for it to qualify as a hate crime in the UK. If you have a moment, can you send your experience to our press team? Your story may still be of use to them. This is their email address >>> [e-mail].

Have a great week. And thanks again for sharing.

Paul

[Confidenceiskey]

I got horribly bullied at school and didn’t manage that very well and avoided dealing with it. When I got into my later teens I started gaining confidence standing up for myself. I have experienced a loud group of guys discuss if they would sleep with me or not on too separate occasions. Sometimes people think I have learning difficulties so they will shout retard at me or call me ugly. Most of the time there is either drink involved or the person is younger or in a large group. Having these experiences means I changed my behaviour which is not the way things should be they should change their behaviour. I rarely go out at night and avoid situations with lots of alcohol. I will say something back when I get insults now I usually say get a life or something. I have one experience where I would of took things further if I could of. There is one more experience where someone was really crass and lewd I am happy to talk about it but won’t put it here. I would love to get involved in things like articles or activism but don’t know where to start. Two things I’ll mention I think my visible difference is mild compared to others so I don’t know if I qualify also I’m 30 so I don’t know if I’m too old. I’m also extremely visually impaired. Any info or advise would be welcome and I will totally understand if none of this is what you are looking for.

[Hidden in reply to Confidenceiskey]

Hi Confidenceiskey, Thanks so much for your reply and sharing your experiences. I think this is very much the kind of story(ies) our press team are looking for. If you have a moment, can you send them an email with your story? You're not too old and every story counts.

This is their email address >>> [e-mail].

We're always looking for stories from people to share, we put these on our website and social media channels. If you complete this short form, someone from the team will get back to you >>> changingfaces.org.uk/help-u...

Thanks again for sharing. Have a great week.

Paul