NSW Police have advised ACON of a high number of recent assaults across NSW, particularly in Western Sydney and South West Sydney that have occurred following hook-ups arranged via online apps popular with our community.
Violence against LGBTQ+ people is never acceptable and never the fault of the person who has experienced violence. Violence is always and only ever the fault of the person or people using that violence. However, there are strategies you can use for safety.
Please always remember that if you are in immediate danger, call 000.
To keep yourself safe when meeting in person for the first time, consider taking a few precautions like; sharing your location with a friend, doing a video chat first or meeting in a public place, trusting your instincts and leaving if you are feeling unsafe or aren’t into it.
ACON have been advised that a number of recent assaults have allegedly been perpetrated by groups of young men and teenagers, who, after connecting with people on hookup apps, quickly move to other less traceable apps, and then organise to meet up in isolated areas like parks. Because of the nature of these assaults, you may wish to consider verifying the age of the person you are organising to meet, and communicating only through the platform you connected on or via traceable means like texting.
Check out the safety tips and features on your hookup app, like Grindr’s, for more information. ACON also have a range of safety resources.
If you have experienced violence, and you feel safe to do so, consider contacting your local Police or LGBTIQ Liaison Officer for support. You can also anonymously report at Crime Stoppers.
The NSW Police Force Hate Crime Unit are highly concerned about these assaults and are in regular contact with ACON. The NSW Police Force encourage people to report any incidents to them. People can report anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Anonymous reports are difficult for the Police to investigate, but any information will help them to gather intelligence about these assaults.
If you would like to access ACON’s mental health support services, please call 1800 063 060, email intake@acon.org.au , or enquire online at www.aconhealth.org.au/intake_form.
> Visit the Say it Out Loud website for 8 tips for safety on dating apps.