Thorne Harbour Urges Communities to Exercise Caution on Gay Apps Following Attacks

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.

“Online platforms have always come with a level of risk, but there are steps you can take to limit that risk and ensure that if something does happen, you can report it.”

“For example, you can turn off location sharing on apps like Snapchat - as we know this specific feature has been used in at least one instance of these attacks.”

Last week, Victoria Police confirmed the arrest of an 18-year old man from Craigieburn, and they are actively identifying offenders and making arrests in other jurisdictions including the Cities of Hume and Boroondara. While several incidents have been reported to date, it’s believed more incidents have occurred.

In 2017, Thorne Harbour Health worked closely with Victoria Police to respond to a similar spate of attacks on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men using beats.

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