Police are stepping up patrols in Footscray Park in response to a spate of homophobic attacks.
In a series of violent incidents since January, victims have reported being abused or lured and set upon by groups of men.
Warnings about the attacks have been shared on gay hook-up websites, such as Squirt, and a number of incidents have been reported to the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC).
Squirt users have written of attacks by groups of men “looking for trouble”, and jumping out of bushes with bars.
VAC chief executive Simon Ruth told Star Weekly that violent homophobic incidents have been occurring in parks and public places around Melbourne since January, and particularly at Footscray Park.
These include homophobic abuse, physical violence and death threats, as men are lured to secluded areas then confronted by large groups of men.
“Homophobia is always very concerning, and all violence is absolutely unacceptable – nobody should need to feel unsafe,” Mr Ruth said.
“We are working hard to build the confidence of people to come to us or go to the police, but given the nature of these spaces, we can only assume most people don’t feel confident in coming forward.”
Mr Ruth said the incidents appear to be occurring late at night under cover of darkness.
He said it is vital all incidents are reported to police, to help raise awareness of and prevent homophobic violence.
Footscray police inspector Adrian Healy said police are aware of reports and have increased foot patrols of the area by LGBTI liaison officers.
“Our message is to encourage reporting. This can be anonymous, if people prefer,” he said. “It’s incumbent on anyone who has experienced a problem down there to let us know; it could stop it happening to someone else.”
Inspector Healy said police have worked with the VAC to spread warnings via gay dating app Grindr and signs posted at the park.
He said in his experience it has been vital to catch offenders before the problem escalates.
“My biggest concern with this sort of pack behaviour, picking off vulnerable people, is that you can get even more violent attacks.”
A candlelight vigil has been organised in the park, to reclaim the space and say no to violence, this Thursday night.
Report suspicious incidents to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or VAC on 9865 6700.
