Safety alert after 'high number' of gay app assaults in NSW

ACON and NSW Police have urged people to use caution and stay safe after a “high number” of violent assaults across NSW, particularly in Western Sydney and South West Sydney, linked to gay dating and hookup apps.

In an update on Friday (October 18), the NSW LGBTQIA+ organisation said recently, a number of the assaults have allegedly been perpetrated by groups of males.

It’s alleged that groups of young men and teenagers connect with people on hookup and dating apps using fake profiles.

The perpetrators then 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,” ACON advises.

“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.

“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.

“Trust your instincts and leave if you are feeling unsafe or aren’t into it.”

Each dating and hookup app offers its own safety features and resources, including Grindr, and ACON also offers app users access to their own safety resources.

People urged to report violent incidents to police

Anyone who’s in immediate danger should call 000. If you’ve experienced violence, and you feel safe to do so, consider contacting your local police or LGBTIQ Liaison Officer for assistance.

NSW Police encourage people to report any incidents to them so they can investigate. 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,” ACON said on Friday.

“The NSW Police Force Hate Crime Unit are highly concerned about these assaults and are in regular contact with ACON.”