Hate has no home here - housing, partnership and the fight against hate crime

At SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality), we are always busy. Hate crime, sadly, is a constant reality in our society. However, over the past six months, we’ve witnessed a frightening rise in referrals as community tensions have grown, fuelling increasingly polarised views.

People from at risk communities are understandably more anxious. This isn’t just a “rise in incidents” - it is also a rise in fear, isolation, and the sense that their homes, their supposed safe space, can no longer protect them.

A hate crime is any criminal act motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone because of their:

• Race or ethnicity.
• Religion or belief.
• Sexual orientation.
• Disability.
• Transgender identity.

It impacts more than safety or physical injury – it strikes through someone’s identity and attacks the core of who they are. Incidents UK-wide have tripled since 2013.

When hate crime happens at or near home, a place of supposed sanctuary, that trauma intensifies.

Housing officers often underestimate the power they have to help. For many residents, especially marginalised or isolated individuals, they could be the first professional person they turn to when targeted.

A compassionate response of listening, believing, and acting promptly can make victims feel seen, protected and supported. But when concerns are dismissed or minimised, even unintentionally, the damage can be devastating.

Why early action from housing officers prevents escalation

Hate crime rarely starts with major incidents. It usually starts small - a slur, a look, a muttered insult. But hate escalates, often driven by social climates and, right now, that climate is turbulent. The longer early incidents go unchallenged, the more empowered perpetrators feel.

Housing officers are uniquely positioned to spot these early warning signs: behavioural changes, a shift in neighbour dynamics, small comments that might otherwise go unreported. Early action can stop escalation in its tracks.

Partnership is where true protection happens

Housing officers are not expected to be hate crime experts. What matters is partnership. When housing associations work closely with SARI, victims receive a joined-up response that includes:

• Emotional support.
• Advocacy with police and community agencies.
• Safety planning.
• Mediation or tenancy-related intervention.
• Practical protection measures.

This collaboration reassures victims they’re not alone and sends a clear message to the wider community: hate will be challenged here.

Don’t let hate get lost in ASB

Too often, hate incidents become lost within general reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB), meaning the underlying prejudice or hostility motivating the behaviour goes unrecognised. When residents with Protected Characteristics report harassment or abuse, housing officers must be especially vigilant. Correctly identifying hate ensures people receive the specialist support, safeguarding and early intervention they need.

Mate crime – a hidden but deadly risk

Mate crime occurs when someone befriends a vulnerable person - often someone with a learning disability, autism, mental health needs, or other disabilities – to exploit or abuse them. Housing officers and frontline housing staff are uniquely placed to spot this early because they regularly see residents in their homes and can observe subtle but important warning signs, such as sudden loss of money, unpaid bills, new 'friends' appearing, changes in routine or behaviour, unexplained injuries, or unfamiliar people coming and going from the property.

Officers can play a crucial role by recording concerns, initiating safeguarding referrals, alerting police partners, and engaging specialist agencies. Several disability-hate-motivated murders -such as those of Steven Hoskin and Gemma Hayter—began as unchecked mate crime where dozens of missed opportunities for intervention were later identified. By being vigilant, asking gentle but clear questions, and acting promptly when exploitation is suspected, housing officers can disrupt abuse long before it escalates and potentially save lives.

What housing officers can do right now

1. Listen actively and believe people - your reaction in that first conversation shapes the entire journey.
2. Reassure residents - your presence and concern build trust.
3. Make reporting easy - let residents know you take hate seriously.
4. Record everything - even small incidents matter.
5. Act quickly - delay can escalate risk.
6. Link in with SARI or your local victim support service early - even if you’re unsure.
7. Know your powers to respond - housing providers have many civil and legal options to take action which can be enhanced when in partnership with the police and local authorities. Use these powers, escalating as needed and in line with good housing legal advice.

A final truth from SARI’s experience

Every day, we see the difference a proactive housing officer makes. They are often the first lifeline someone reaches for and can be the difference between someone feeling abandoned and isolated or empowered. Between fear growing or being stopped. Between someone falling silent or being heard.

In this moment of rising tension, that role has never been more important. You can make the difference.

Find out more

There is more information on our website to help housing providers create happy neighbourhoods.

Other best practice responses to hate in housing include:

• Regulator of Social Housing - Consumer & Safety Expectations.
• Housing Ombudsman - Hate incidents in antisocial behaviour (2025).
• Housing Ombudsman - Proactive approach to hate crime & ASB (2025).
• Beyond Housing - ASB & Hate Crime Policy (2025).
• CPD Online College - Mate Crime (cases: Steven Hoskin, Gemma Hayter).
• Tai Pawb - Hate Crime and Housing Toolkit.
• Salford Safeguarding Adults Board - Mate Crime Guidance.
• Black Country Housing Group - Hate Crime Policy (2024).
• Your Housing Group - ASB & Hate Crime Policy (2024).