Support for LGBTIQA+ victims of app-facilitated violence
From 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.
In addition to Switchboard’s dedicated helpline, Thorne Harbour Health has shared community safety tips and reduced wait times for key services, including:
• Mental health counselling
• Alcohol and other drug (AOD) support
• Family violence services
For more than 30 years, Switchboard Victoria has provided LGBTIQA+ peer support services to Victorian communities. This specialised helpline will operate until September 30, subject to demand.
—- —- —-
If you, or someone you know has experienced violence and/or been lured by fake profiles on hookup or dating apps, you can contact Switchboard for free, confidential support, information and referral options.
Call 1800 729 367 and press 1
Learn more here
—- —- —-
Quotes attributable to Switchboard CEO Jenna Tuke:
“Switchboard aims to be responsive to emerging issues for LGBTQIA+ Victorians. The impacts of the recent spate of hate crimes facilitated though meet up and dating apps have reverberated through the LGBTQIA+ community. It is vital that victim-survivors are able to access confidential support, referral and information about their rights.”
“We know that there are very low police reporting rates for sexual assault, hate crimes and targeted attacks. Those who have reported will represent only a fraction of those who have been victimised. Switchboard will be providing a safe and confidential place for people to access support and information about their rights and options.”
“Barriers to accessing support include the fear of not being believed, the fear of being blamed for the assault and the fear of losing control over who knows what has happened to them.”
“This situation is primed for victim blaming narratives, which are likely to compound the fear of being outed and exposed.”
Quotes attributable to Joe Ball, Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities:
“The recent app-facilitated attacks have left many people fearful, isolated, and unsure where to turn. Having a direct line staffed by people who understand LGBTIQA+ experiences means victim-survivors can reach out and get immediate, affirming support. This is not only about crisis response, but also about helping people rebuild safety, connection and dignity.”
“These are not random crimes, they are targeted attacks on gay and bisexual men. It’s homophobia and it’s gender-based violence. We must respond, invest in prevention initiatives, and most importantly ensure people aren’t left to face it alone.”
Quotes attributable to Simon Ruth, CEO of Thorne Harbour Health:
“We are seeing the worst violence against our communities in over 40 years. The violence is compounded by victim blaming, fear of reprisal and mistrust of authorities. We thank Switchboard for supporting our work and providing a safe space for victims of hate crimes to seek support and advice.”
“This helpline is a vital community-led support for victims, but it cannot be the only response. While our communities and services will always step up, we need a coordinated, whole-of-government response to address the culture of homophobia and online radicalisation driving these attacks.”
Quotes attributable to Starlady, Director of Zoe Belle Gender Collective:
“In the global backlash against gender equity LGBTIQA+ communities are being increasingly vilified. This has resulted in escalating levels of the violence from men using homophobia and transphobia to socially bond and reassert dominant forms of masculinity. Our government, services and community urgently need to develop and implement a co-ordinated response to prevent further violence against LGBTIQA+ communities and to support the victims of this violence.”
“The trans community have been fiercely advocating for a co-ordinated and funded response to the escalating levels of transphobia in our communities. We stand in solidarity with gay and bisexual men who are also being increasingly targeted in violent attacks. Sadly, homophobia and transphobia are being increasingly used as a way for young men to socially bond and reassert dominant forms of masculinity. Our community is stronger when we stand together in responding to gendered violence.”