Brave woman speaks out after self-harm scar discrimination

It seems like such an innocent, everyday thing - going into a shop and buying a bottle of champagne for a friend’s birthday.

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But it was a situation that left healthcare assistant, Becci Wain “devastated” and humiliated after she was refused service due to her self-harm scars.

In an article she wrote for the Independent, 21-year-old Becci admits a trip to UK supermarket Tesco saw her pulled aside and confronted about her scars.

“I had shown my ID to prove my age, so was extremely confused when the member of staff said, ‘I’m not allowed to serve you with those scars on your arm,’” Becci wrote.

“She informed me that it was ‘Tesco policy’, so she would have to call over the supervisor. In front of a queue of about three people, I was left standing to the side while she enquired to the supervisor in a loud voice, for what felt like everybody to hear, about what she should do.”

Becci, who admits it has taken six months of therapy to “finally feel comfortable in myself”, was eventually served, but didn’t receive an apology.

After contacting the company online, she was told it wasn’t their policy at all and was later sent flowers as an apology.

While Becci admits she was overwhelmed by the positive reaction to her story, she wants this to be an example of the change that needs to occur when it comes to openly talking about mental health issues.

“This is not a one off issue; mental health discrimination happens daily,” Becci wrote. “It’s the snide remarks, the judgemental looks, the dismissal from a job with a petty excuse given, and the refusal of goods and services.”

“At the end of the day, after fighting my illness for so long, I shouldn’t have to be ashamed or feel judged every time I have my arms on show.”

If you or someone you know needs support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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