Lewisham Council, Lewisham Police and community and voluntary organisations have joined together to extend the number of sites where people can report hate crime in Lewisham.
Hate crime is the targeting of individuals, groups or communities because of who they are. It is widely recognised that hate crimes are vastly under-reported and every year thousands of people are victims of hate crime but never report it. Because of that, victims don’t receive the support and help they need, and perpetrators are seldom challenged or prosecuted.
One recent high profile case in Leicestershire served to highlight the plight of victims of hate crime and bring about debate. Fiona Pilkington killed herself and her 18 year old disabled daughter, Francecca Hardwick, because of a sustained hate campaign against them.
Recognising that some people may feel more comfortable reporting hate crime incidents within their own local community network, the newly extended system means that hate crime can now be reported not just to the Council or Police, but also by contacting one of eight community organisations.
It is hoped that more local community and voluntary organisations will join the scheme in the coming months.
Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, said: “Hate crime is a terrible thing and victims and witnesses need to feel comfortable reporting it. Without those reports it means people can get away with their crimes, and think that they can do it again. By expanding the current reporting system in the borough we hope that more people will come forward, rather than keeping silent.”
Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Jeremy Burton said: “Hate crime is devastating for victims and we must make sure everyone has the opportunity to report incidents. The local reporting sites in communities across the borough allow people to make a report anonymously and conveniently.
“I am so proud of the groups who have come forward as sites and I know that they think it is as important as I do to encourage everybody to report crimes so that the police and partners can tackle these unacceptable crimes.”
Cora Green, SE Area Senior Service Delivery Manager, Victim Support, said: “Hate crime can be devastating, not just because of the personal attack on the victim, but also the way it can make people mistrust each other, breaking down communities. Victims often do not report these crimes to the police because they are terrified of reprisals, so third party reporting centres are vital because they help to stop this cycle, giving people the confidence to speak out.”
Reporting hate crime - in an emergency always call 999
Hate crime can be reported by contacting:
Lewisham Police
T: 0300 123 1212
W: www.met.police.uk
Lewisham Police Community Safety Unit
T: 020 8284 8339
Lewisham Council
T: 020 8314 6000
W: www.lewisham.gov.uk
Lewisham Victim Support
T: 020 8698 4583
W: www.victimsupport.org.uk
or one of these community organisation reporting sites:
Catford Citizens Advice Bureau
T: 08448 269691
W: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Sydenham Citizens Advice Bureau
T: 08448 269691
W: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Connexions
T: 020 8297 3330
W: www.connexions-direct.com
2000 Community Action Centre
T: 020 8692 2760
W: http://ecs.lewisham.gov.uk/2cac
Goldsmiths, University of London
T: 020 7919 7171
W: www.gold.ac.uk
Lewisham College
T: 020 8694 3233
W: www.lewisham.ac.uk
Lewisham Disability Coalition
T: 020 8314 1414
W: www.ldcadvice.co.uk
Lewisham Islamic Centre
T: 020 8690 5090
W: www.lewishamislamiccentre.com