Hate incidents can take many forms and include:

• physical or sexual assault;
• physical, verbal or written abuse, threats or intimidation;
• racist or offensive graffiti;
• damage to property.

 Hate Crime and Harassment Housing Policy Statement and Strategy

The housing department understands that hate crimes have a serious and devastating impact on the lives of victims, their families and the wider community. The housing department works hard to take action in every incident of hate crime against the perpetrators and to support the victim and their family. The hate crime policy sets out how the housing department tackles hate crime in all its forms.

 Reporting hate incidents, hate crime or harassment

If you are the victim of hate crime you should report it to the Police straight away.

The housing department also has a Hate Incidents Reporting Line (020 8871 6829) for you to report hate crimes, anonymously if you want to, as an alternative to the police. All reports are treated confidentially and follow-up action will be taken in all cases.

The Hate Incidents reporting line (020 8871 6829) is not an emergency service and if you are in imminent danger you should telephone 999 for the police.

Alternatively, if you are experiencing hate crime and / or harassment and, as a result, want help to improve the security of your home or find alternative accommodation, please contact the Homelessness Prevention Team for further advice.
If you are a council tenant or leaseholder, please contact your managing agent in the first instance.

 Free graffiti removal

The council's free graffiti removal service aims to remove racist and obscene graffiti within 24 hours and all other types of graffiti within 48 hours of it being reported. You can report graffiti or ask for graffiti to be removed online.

 Other help for people experiencing hate crime or harassment

Wandsworth Police and Community Safety Unit
Victim Support and Victim Support Wandsworth
Wandsworth Racial Equality Council
Social Services
Commission for Racial Equality
Muslim Women's Helpline
Chinese Information and Advice Centre

Help for disabled people
Disability Rights Commission

Help for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
Wandsworth LGBT network
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard Helpline
GALOP

Help for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted
RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre)
Women Against Rape