Discriminatory abuse is when someone is treated unfairly, harmed, excluded, or controlled because of who they are.

It can happen in many settings, including care services, workplaces, schools, families, and religious environments and communities.
It is rooted in prejudice, power, and inequality.

Quick definition

Discriminatory abuse is when someone is abused, harmed, or denied their rights because of a protected characteristic.

This can include abuse based on:

• Race or ethnicity
• Sex or gender
• Disability
• Age
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage or civil partnership

Discriminatory abuse can happen on its own or alongside other forms of abuse.

Where discriminatory abuse can happen

Discriminatory abuse can occur anywhere power and prejudice exist.

This includes:

• Homes and families
• Care or support services
• Education and workplaces
• Public services
• Community settings
• Religious environments and faith-based communities

Abuse may be carried out by individuals, groups, or institutions.

Abusive actions linked to discriminatory abuse

Discriminatory abuse can take many forms.
It may be obvious, or subtle and ongoing.

Examples include:

• Racism or racial abuse
• Sexism or gender-based abuse
• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation
• Deliberate exclusion because of a protected characteristic
• Being treated as less worthy, capable, or credible
• Use of punishments, such as withholding food or drink
• Being denied choice, voice, or autonomy
• Removal of personal belongings
• Denial of privacy, dignity, or respect
• Lack of reasonable adjustments or disabled access

Abuse may be justified or minimised by attitudes, beliefs, or “the way things are done”.

Signs and symptoms of discriminatory abuse

People experiencing discriminatory abuse may show different signs.

These can include:

• Withdrawal, isolation, or disengagement
• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Expression of anger, fear, anxiety, or frustration
• Low confidence or loss of self-worth
• Reluctance to attend certain places or communities
• Feeling unsafe, watched, or unwelcome

Not everyone will show visible signs.
Some people learn to hide the impact to stay safe.

Discrimination through exclusion from services

Discriminatory abuse often involves being denied access to essential services.

This can include:

• Being refused healthcare, education, employment, or justice
• Being excluded from services inappropriately
• Receiving poorer or substandard services
• Barriers based on language, disability, or belief
• Lack of access to communication aids
• Not being allowed an interpreter, signer, or lip-reader

When systems fail to meet someone’s needs because of who they are, that is discrimination and it can be abusive.

Discriminatory abuse in religious environments and communities

Discriminatory abuse can occur in religious settings when beliefs, rules, or practices are used to exclude, silence, or control people with protected characteristics.

This may include:

• Unequal treatment based on gender, disability, race, or sexuality
• Exclusion from participation, leadership, or community life
• Denial of dignity, privacy, or personal agency
• Lack of access or reasonable adjustments
• Being refused support, care, or safeguarding responses

Faith or belief should never be used to justify harm, exclusion, or inequality.

How discriminatory abuse affects people

The impact of discriminatory abuse can be deep and long-lasting.

It may affect:

• Mental and emotional wellbeing
• Sense of safety and belonging
• Confidence and identity
• Trust in people, services, or communities
• Physical health and access to care
• Opportunities for education, work, or independence

For some, the impact builds slowly over time.
For others, a single incident can be deeply damaging.

Is discriminatory abuse the same as disagreement or difference?

No.

Discriminatory abuse is not:

• Respectful differences of opinion
• Boundaries set for safety or wellbeing
• Personal beliefs held without harm to others
• Inclusive practices that allow choice and dignity

The key issue is unfair treatment linked to identity, especially where power is misused.

What if I’m not sure it “counts”?

Many people minimise discriminatory abuse because:

• “That’s just how things are”
• “I don’t want to cause trouble”
• “Others have it worse”
• “It’s always been like this”

You do not need to prove discrimination to seek support.
If something feels unfair, harmful, or unsafe, that matters.

Support and next steps

If you think you may be experiencing discriminatory abuse:

• You deserve to be treated with dignity and respect
• You deserve equal access to services and support
• You deserve to be listened to without judgement

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Specialist support services, advocacy organisations, and safeguarding teams can help explore options safely.

You are not alone

Discriminatory abuse thrives in silence and inequality.
Support is available, and your experience matters.

The post What Is Discriminatory Abuse? was created by First Light.