I have been racially discriminated against/racially harassed what can I do?
Have you suffered racial discrimination, harassment or abuse? You don't have to put up with it. You have the right not to be discriminated against on racial grounds.
Racial Discrimination
There is a law against racial discrimination. The Race Relations Act says you cannot be discriminated against because of your race, colour, nationality or citizenship, or your ethnic or national background. The Act applies to:
Most cases involve what is called �direct� racial discrimination. Direct discrimination takes place if you are treated less well than someone from a different ethnic background would be in your situation. It includes treatment that could lead to racial segregation. The law also protects anyone who is victimised for bringing a complaint.
Racial discrimination can also take place indirectly. This happens if you or people from your racial group cannot meet a rule or condition that seems to apply equally to everyone. You have to be able to show that the rule puts you or people from your racial group at a disadvantage. If the rule cannot be justified, it will be indirectly discriminatory.
The Race Relations Act gives you the right to take your case to an employment tribunal if it concerns employment, or to a county court in all other cases.
If you think you have been harassed or discriminated against because of your race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins, and want to take legal action, you should act quickly � there are time limits for filing a case in a tribunal or court.
You should use any grievance or complaints procedures available as you may be able to get your complaint resolved to your satisfaction in this way.
The law on racial discrimination is complicated and you will need expert advice and help in preparing and presenting your case. It might also be quite costly, as you cannot get legal aid for representation for hearings at employment tribunals.
If you live or work in
Racial abuse, harassment or violence
Racial violence is a criminal offence. Racial abuse and harassment are illegal under both the criminal and civil law.
If you are racially abused or harassed at work, or at school, or when you receive a service, you are protected by the Race Relations Act.
If you are racially harassed by your neighbours, their visitors, or others in the community you or your council can get a court order to stop the harassment. Your landlord can also take action to get the perpetrators moved.
If you are racially abused or harassed at a football match, or by another customer in a shop or a pub, tell the club, the owner or the store manager to do something about it, and make it clear that it is not acceptable for customers to face racism.
If you are attacked or harassed in your home, or if your property is damaged, complain to the police. �Racially aggravated harassment� is a serious criminal offence. You should report any racist attack (including racist intimidation, threats, and damage to your property) to the police without delay.
Inciting people to racial hatred is against the criminal law on public order. This is a police matter and you should report any incident as soon as possible.
If you live or work in
If you have been racially discriminated against, or racially harassed
- at school, in college, in work, at home, in the pub, at the club, on the street.
Call REF for advice.
TEL 029 2022 4097
Last updated 1st November 2007