Discrimination

Gypsy Travellers are recognised as an ethnic group. The Equality Act 2010 protects people who are recognised as a distinct ethnic group from being discriminated against on the grounds of ethnicity. The Scottish Government has made a commitment to make sure there is equality for Gypsy Travellers by integrating their needs into policies such as health, education and social services.

Reporting discrimination

You should always be treated with dignity and respect. If you feel you're being discriminated against, you can:

• complain directly to the person or organisation responsible
• get someone else to help you – this is called 'mediation' or 'alternative dispute resolution'
• make a claim in a court or a tribunal

If you want help or advice on how to do this, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service. They have an online contact form you can use to get in touch.

You can also call them on 0808 800 0082 or textphone on 0808 800 0084. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, and Saturday 10am to 2pm.

Or write to them at:

FREEPOST
Equality Advisory Support Service
FPN4431

Any behaviour that makes you feel distressed, alarmed or afraid, which violates your dignity or which creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment can be classed as harassment.

If a crime is committed against you and motivated by racial, sexual or other prejudice it's considered a hate crime. You should report a hate crime directly to Police Scotland.