... particular group, such as the mentally ill, disabled or those who belong to a different race. Discrimination can be direct or indirect. When a person is treated less favourably as a result of their intellect or disability is an example of direct discrimination. Rules or requirements that concern everyone but act in an unfair treatment of certain people are direct discrimination Marion (1992). Discrimination according to Baron and Byrne (2004) is negative behaviours directed towards members of social groups who are the object of prejudice. In previous years mental illness and physical disabilities were not understood and the lack of knowledge resulted in discrimination and attachment of stigmas. In particular, those who were classed as mental illness often faced abuse and even exclusion from society. People thought the condition resulted from possession of evil spirits and people began to fear those with mental ill health. In later years hospitals opened to ...

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