‘Hate has no place in our borough’ was the message as Ealing Council approved new ways to tackle hate crime and support victims.

A new Hate Crime Strategy was adopted at a meeting of the council’s decision-making cabinet yesterday (Thursday 7 October).

It comes after more than 600 residents shared their views on how hate crime should be tackled locally as part of a borough-wide consultation. They also voiced their experiences of abuse, harassment and discrimination, as well as the challenges faced when reporting incidents or accessing support.

‘No place for hate’

As one of London’s most diverse boroughs, Ealing is home to almost 386,000 residents.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, said: “Nobody should experience abuse, harassment or intimidation because of who they are, where they come from, or what they believe. We are committed to supporting victims, encouraging reporting and working with communities to tackle hate.

“This strategy is about preventing hate, building trust and creating a borough where everyone feels safe, respected and welcome. By working with residents, community organisations, faith groups and partners, we will challenge prejudice, support those affected and make clear that hate has no place in our borough. There is no place for hate, racism or discrimination in Ealing”

Edmund O Akeju, director and legal manager at West London Equality Centre, added: “Hate crime is not an issue for the police or the criminal justice system alone to tackle. Prejudice, discrimination and hate are not abstract issues. Real people are the victims, and the impact often extends beyond the experience of the individual targeted. It affects families, communities and undermines the shared sense of safety, belonging and togetherness that is key to community cohesion.”

What is a hate crime?

Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person’s:

• race
• religion
• disability
• sexual orientation
• transgender identity.

A hate incident is an act, behaviour or incident that is perceived to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity, but which does not constitute a criminal offence.

Get involved

Residents can find out more at a free event in Perceval House on Tuesday 13 October, during Hate Crime Awareness Week, from 1:30pm to 5pm. The event will bring together community organisations, support services and local partners to discuss how the borough can work together to tackle hate crime and increase reporting.

Register online and book a place at the event.

Data from the Metropolitan Police indicates that 846 hate crime offences were reported in the borough over the last year.