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A microaggression is a small statement, action or incident with a negative message about a group of people, like women or people with disability. Microaggressions hurt. Here, you can learn to recognise microaggressions. We share safe and empowering ways to respond.
Insults, harassment and physical violence are easy to spot. Microaggressions can be more subtle. They might be:
People often make excuses for bad behaviour. They might say, "It's no big deal." But seeming small doesn't prevent big consequences.
Many people in our community experience microaggressions daily. The harm adds up over time.
There are helpful ways to react to microaggressions. You can learn to challenge people who act this way. But doing nothing is also okay. You don't have to solve every problem.
Microaggressions are disrespectful and unfair. Researchers are still studying how they impact people with disabilities.
Research into racial microaggressions shows that they can lead to depression, stress, trauma, headaches and poor sleep. They can hurt people's careers. You can read more about that research here (external link).
If you face microaggressions, you might feel like you have no place at work, school, or elsewhere.
It can be hard to cope if people target different parts of you, like your:
For example, an Indigenous woman with a disability might see more bad behaviour than a Caucasian woman with a disability.
Microaggressions can happen in person or online. They can be hard to spot. Sometimes, they seem like okay things to do or say. They can even seem like compliments on the surface. In reality, they're harmful.
People with disabilities might:
Microaggressions send the message that you don't belong. They can be incredibly hurtful, even if the person speaking doesn't understand the harm caused.
It can be scary to call out microaggressions. After all, they usually come from people with power or privilege. If you try to speak up, you may get an angry or dismissive response. You might hear, "Don't be so sensitive" or "Harden up". It can make you feel like you're making a big deal about nothing. You aren't. Your feelings and ideas matter.
If you want to respond, you could:
Sometimes, the safest option could be saying nothing. Educating people about their hurtful behaviour is hard work. If you can't speak up, that's okay: your wellbeing comes first.
You might also decide that it's not worth it today. Maybe the person doesn't matter much to you. Maybe there's no chance of changing their mind. Maybe you will address the problem another day.
It's important the disabled community and our allies respond to microaggressions when they can. By having tough conversations, we can:
First, take a deep breath. We're sorry you've had to deal with this. We hope the situation gets better. We know that microaggressions can be confusing, intimidating, and stressful. People may try to make you believe things are your fault.
Remember that you are never to blame for bad behaviour. What happened is not your fault.
Here is a list of things you could do if you’ve faced microaggressions. You should choose the options that are right for you.
Having a disability can make it harder to escape abuse. Limited mobility or social isolation might make it harder to get help. Moving out or getting away from the person who hurts you can seem impossible when money is in short supply. However, help is available.
Even if the person who hurt you is important to you, you can still get help. Many people are hurt by someone they know. It may be an intimate partner, a parent or carer, or someone else in authority, such as a health worker or service provider. You don't have to go to the police if you don't want to. Either way, support is available to keep you safe and help you recover.
This section provides information about helplines - telephone and text services that offer help when you need it. Helplines can give you advice, understanding and links to practical support. Here, you can learn to choose a service that meets your needs and prepare for the call. We also share a list of helplines across Australia. If you have an emergency, call 000 (triple zero) to speak to the police or ambulance.
Find out moreExperiencing violence and abuse can affect your ability to live a satisfying life. It can leave you feeling afraid and unsafe. You might find yourself reliving difficult situations over and over. It means you've experienced trauma. With the proper support, you can heal. Here, you can learn what trauma is like. You can learn how to recover.
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