On 19 May 2026, Protection Approaches hosted the Addressing Hate Crime in London: Networking and Learning Event at the University of Westminster. The event brought together community organisations, local authorities, police representatives, statutory services, and practitioners from across London to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and discuss ways of tackling hate crime more effectively.
The event highlighted the importance of collaborative working to prevent hate crime, support victims, and create safer and more inclusive communities. Through presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees explored current challenges, emerging trends, and practical approaches to improving responses to hate crime.
WLEC’s Hate Crime team attended the event and engaged with the range of organisations and professionals in attendance to share valuable insights on the barriers to reporting hate crime, victims’ experiences, and effective intervention strategies. Representatives from organisations including Tell MAMA, Rakkha, Islington Council, and Islington Police confabbed on their expertise and frontline experiences.
One of the key concerns raised during the event was the continuing increase in hate crime. Speakers highlighted reports suggesting that incidents have been rising significantly year on year, underlining the need for a coordinated and proactive response from statutory agencies, community organisations, and policymakers.
Key Themes from the Event
Several important themes emerged during the discussions:
•Participants emphasised that all reports of hate crime should be taken seriously and investigated appropriately.
•Concerns were raised about the way hate crime reports and support services are handled in some areas.
•In housing-related cases involving both hate crime and anti-social behaviour, consideration should be given, where possible, to relocating the perpetrator rather than the victim.
•Greater training and awareness are needed across public services, particularly within policing, to ensure hate crime is recognised and responded to effectively.
•Training should include an understanding of cultural differences, barriers to reporting, and the stigma often experienced by victims.
•Civil society organisations play a vital role in preventing hate crime through education, awareness-raising, advocacy, and data collection.
•Participants noted that competition for limited funding can sometimes make collaboration more difficult, despite the clear benefits of coordinated approaches.
•Hate crime is a global issue, and there is considerable value in learning from successful policies, legislation, and practices implemented in other countries.
•Organisations responding to hate crime should have clear procedures and guidance in place to ensure consistent and effective support for victims.
WLEC’s Commitment
At WLEC, we remain committed to supporting individuals affected by hate crime and hate incidents. Our dedicated Hate Crime Team provides advice, support, and advocacy to anyone who believes they have experienced a hate crime or hate incident because of their race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.
If you need support or would like to report a hate crime or hate incident, please contact our Hate Crime Helpline on 0800 294 3479 between 10.00am and 4.00pm. If there is an immediate threat to life, ongoing danger, or an active crime taking place, call 999. For non-emergency situations, contact the police on 101
