Its always the same problem .. gay people get harmed or violated but most don't want to go to the police or authorities about homophobic behaviour, maybe because they shy away from even potentialy more homophobic behaviour.

It's a catch22 and if someone could create a solution for this problem, alot more cases would be filed as homphobic or hate crimes rather than police just thinking it is some random attack.

Some attacks may be in public places known to be hangouts and therefore most of these will go un reported as well..

It is a problem for police to act on these assaults when the victim/s dont make it known. We as gay people still should be able to walk any street in this country day or night without persecution. I have to ask

In response to Stevie Clayton recommending the police ask "...do you think this bashing was because of your sexuality?” the police have said "we can't ask a person that". I say why not? They ask questions like "do you think this assault was based on your race" so what's the difference. It's a cop out on behalf of the police who no doubt carry their own homophobic issues.

i was asaulted while in a certain coffee chain on oxford st almost 12 months ago
when the police finally arrived half an hour later the eventually asked me if the attack was homophobic..........
i didnt have an issue with the question and the manner it was put forward just seemed normal
i agree with stevie

The media has damaged people's perception of the Gay community to the point where violence occurs, people across Australia need to recognise more that Gay people should not be an excuse to launch violence against, but more to be understood for the number of gay people in Australia that are making changes that improve society and the country we live in

This is an OLD article...wonder how bad it is these days.

whats new?