Michael speaks to LGBTIQA+ Communities Portfolio Manager at Victoria Police, Jeremy Oliver about recent cases of violence against men using dating and hookup apps, like Grindr and social media platforms like Snapchat.

Following a series of violent assaults targeting gay men, Thorne Harbour Health is calling on communities to exercise caution when using apps and social media. A growing number of incidents have recently been reported where offenders pose as legitimate users on online platforms like Grindr, Scruff, and Snapchat to lure gay and bisexual men to public spaces where they are vulnerable to assault and robbery.

We discuss tips for keeping safe online, how to report incidents of violent behaviour, and what Victoria Police is doing to keep our community safe.

Resources

Check out Thorne Harbour Health’s 10 Tips for Keeping Safe on Hookup Apps

Community members are encouraged to make a report via the Police Assistance Line and Online Reporting website or, if they prefer, they can ask to speak to a LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer. In case of an emergency, they should always call Triple Zero (000) in the first instance.

Thorne Harbour Health has also published a list of strategies and steps individuals can take to look after themselves when using dating apps and hook-up platforms at: thorneharbour.org/appsafety

Experiencing assault, threatening behaviour or homophobic violence can impact our mental health. Thorne Harbour Health also offers a range of services, including counselling and support groups. If you’ve been a victim of any online or in-person crime, it might help to speak to someone about how it’s affecting you. Call our friendly intake team on (03) 9865 6700 to find a service.

Media

Check out the media release: Thorne Harbour Urges Communities to Exercise Caution on Gay Apps Following Attacks

This episode was recorded on the lands of the Yalukut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.

This episode originally aired Thursday, August 29 2024 on JOY.

Check out our other JOY Podcasts for more on LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing.

If there’s something you’d like us to explore on the show, send through ideas or questions to wellwellwell@joy.org.au

Find out more about LGBTIQ+ services and events in Victoria at Thorne Harbour Health and in South Australia at SAMESH