This National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we spoke to two residents about their experiences of hate crime and its devastating impact.
Our new video shares the stories of Andy and Mia*, two residents who have been targeted by neighbours due to their race.
Andy experienced 20 years of abuse from a neighbour which included racial slurs, damage of his property, and tragically the poisoning of his dog.
Mia, who lived with her young son who has special educational needs, experienced hostility and intimidation from her neighbours. This included being followed, being verbally abused and regularly having her privacy and family life disrupted.
After reporting these instances to the police, both Andy and Mia received support through the council’s Hate Crime Advocacy Service, which helped them with their case and the processes they needed to go through. Andy’s case is ongoing, and Mia’s perpetrators have since been evicted.
Many cases of hate crime begin as neighbour disputes or disagreements. Over time tensions can escalate, which can lead to prejudicial language being used and individuals being unfairly targeted.
What starts as verbal abuse can develop into harassment, causing victims to feel distressed, intimidated or threatened. Victims can also often feel isolated, unsafe and unwelcome in their own communities which can lead to them questioning their own lifestyles and identities.
Councillor Joshua Ayodele, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Integrated Enforcement, said:
“Tackling hate crime is a community safety priority here in Greenwich. We want every resident to know that they do not have to suffer in silence and that support is available. If we do not challenge hate crime wherever it occurs, it risks dividing communities, deepening inequalities and causing lasting harm to individuals and families. That is why as part of this year’s National Hate Crime Awareness Week, we are shining a light on the support available to people who experience hate crime.
“Through our dedicated Hate Crime Advocacy Service and wider partnership work, we help ensure that victims are supported, their voices are heard, and their lived experiences help shape the services and responses we provide. Together, we can build a borough where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.”
There were 792 reported hate crimes in Royal Greenwich in the past year, including 685 cases relating to race and religion and 98 relating to sexual orientation, and these are only the cases that were reported to us.
Whether it is driven by race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, the effects of hate crime can be felt long after the incident itself.
The council have a multi-agency panel which meets regularly to discuss hate crime cases and high-risk anti-social behaviour. The panel brings together relevant agencies to coordinate support, improve information sharing, and help find solutions for those affected.
The council also actively gathers information about incidents, concerns, and patterns of behaviour that may indicate rising tensions between individuals, groups, or communities, this is called ‘tension monitoring’. Recognising early signs of community tension can help the council, housing providers, police, schools, and community organisations take action before issues escalate into hate incidents or wider community conflict.
If you ever experience or witness a hate crime, please report it to the police by calling 999 in an emergency and 101 in non-urgent situations. Alternatively, you can report incidents to the council by emailing community-safety@royalgreenwich.gov.uk or call Stop Hate UK’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 138 1625.
Come and speak to us
Throughout the week, our officers will be in the following locations to offer advice about hate crime and local support services.
Monday 12 October, 10am to 2pm - Eltham Centre Library, Archery Road, SE9 1HA
Thursday 15 October, 10am to 2pm - Woolwich Centre, 35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ
Friday 16 October, 10am to 2pm – The Greenwich Centre, 12 Lambarde Square, SE10 9GB
Saturday 17 October, 10am to 2pm - Woolwich Waves, 49 Woolwich New Road, SE18 6EU
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy and safety of individuals.