A formal investigation by The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is to be launched into disability-related harassment and the measures public authorities are taking to prevent violence and abuse towards disabled people. The EHRC plans to take appropriate action based on evidence uncovered by their investigations. If it is found that local authorities are not doing enough to protect the rights of disabled people, legal action may be taken to force them..
The evidence will come from disabled people and others who have been affected by disability-related harassment, and the local authorities concerned to see what steps thay are taking to deal with the issue. The inquiry will gather and examine evidence from disabled people and others who have been affected by disability-related harassment and from public authorities on what steps they are taking to tackle the issue. It may be that the work will identify good practice in deal with the issue.
The EHRC will shortly publish draft Terms of Reference for the inquiry for consultation. Final Terms of Reference will then be published before the inquiry begins in early 2010, and it will then report its findings within one year.
