Switchboard launches dedicated helpline for victims of app violence

From 10am on Thursday 21 August, Switchboard Victoria will offer a dedicated helpline providing confidential support and information to LGBTIQA+ people who have experienced targeted app-facilitated homophobic and/or transphobic violence.

This free, confidential service will be available via Switchboard’s Rainbow Door helpline and operate 5 days a week, from 10am - 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Staffed by trained LGBTIQA+ peer workers, the service will offer trauma-informed support and information in a safe, affirming environment.

Following the recent community forum organised by Thorne Harbour Health, Switchboard is establishing a dedicated helpline in response to the escalation in premeditated attacks targeting users of dating and meet-up apps, in particular gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

Across the country, there has been a pattern of perpetrators using fake profiles to lure victims to meetings, where they are subsequently ambushed, robbed, assaulted, filmed and humiliated with homophobic abuse. In some cases, footage of these attacks has been used to expose, threaten and/or extort victims.

Callers to the helpline can expect to be believed, supported, and provided with information about their rights and options - including accessing legal help, counselling, and police reporting pathways. Our aim is to empower victim-survivors to make the best decision for themselves. 

Update: this service is now offered via Switchboard’s specialist Rainbow Door service.

If you, or someone you know has experienced violence and/or been lured by fake profiles on hook-up or dating apps, you can contact Rainbow Door for free, confidential support, information and referral options.

10am - 5pm, every day

Call: 1800 729 367
Txt: 0480 017 246
Email: support@rainbowdoor.org.au
Web: rainbowdoor.org.au