People attending this weekend’s Mardi Gras celebrations in Sydney are being urged to take precautions when they’re out and about due to the surge in homophobic violence that accompanies the famous event.  

According to ACON, the leading health promotion agency for NSW’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, reports of gay hate crimes almost double in the lead-up to and on the night of the Mardi Gras parade. This comes on top of a twofold increase in reports of homophobic violence in the Oxford St precinct made to ACON's Lesbian & Gay Anti-Violence Project (AVP) over the last three months. Compared to this time last year, reports have increased over 400 percent.

ACON President Mark Orr says while ACON is working with police and local councils to address the issue, it remains a serious problem.

Gay men and lesbians are between four and six times more likely than the general population to experience prejudice-related abuse, harassment or assault.

“Data gathered by the NSW Government, the City of Sydney and the AVP shows that gay men and lesbians are between four and six times more likely than the general population to experience prejudice-related abuse, harassment or assault,” he says. “Even more disturbing is that during Mardi Gras, the amount of gay hate crime increases even further to twice the regular level.”

Police and local councils have put in place a range of measures to address the issue including new community initiatives, improved civic infrastructure and increased police patrols. Mr Orr says there are also several personal precautions that people can take to minimise the risk of violence.

“Firstly, we recommend that partygoers travel to and from venues with friends or travel in taxis if they’re alone,” he says. “We also suggest that they cover up their party clothes or get changed at the venue to avoid being a target. Secondly, we advise that they stick with their mates, especially if their mates are drunk or out of it because alcohol and other drugs can reduce awareness. Finally, all violence and harassment should be reported to the AVP because if the level and types of violence are on the public record, then agencies such as ACON can lobby for improved security for our community.“

Reports of violence can be made to the AVP by SMS to 0416 905 105, online at www.avp.acon.org.au or by calling the AVP on 9206 2116 or 1800 063 060. Reports can also be made in person to staff at the AVP Safe Place at 60 Oxford Street (Mon-Fri: 3:30pm-6pm, Fri-Sat: 11pm - 5am). In addition to taking reports, staff at the Safe Place can help victims of homophobic violence access emergency services, look after them while they’re waiting for assistance and provide referrals to relevant support services.

In an emergency, people should call 000. Otherwise they should call the NSW Police Switchboard on 9281 0000 and ask for a Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer. People seeking support and information can also make an appointment with one of ACON’s counsellors on 9206 2116 or they can talk to a counsellor from the 24 hour Victims Support Line on 9374 3000.

Tags: acon, homophobia, homophobic, mardi gras, sydney gay and lesbian mardi gras