Violent “Grindr Attacks” Are Surging And Here’s What’s Being Done About It
Reports from law enforcement and advocacy groups around Australia confirm a significant and growing wave of violent attacks targeting gay and bisexual men through dating apps like Grindr.
The numbers are hard to ignore
In New South Wales (NSW), police recorded nearly 200 anti-LGBTQIA+ violence incidents between 2023 and October 2025. In 2025 alone, attacks more than doubled compared to the year before. Victoria launched a parliamentary inquiry in February 2026 to investigate the surge, with at least 35 people arrested in connection with these incidents. Similar cases have been reported in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
How it works
Perpetrators create convincing profiles, lure victims to a meeting, then assault and rob, often filming the incident. In NSW, roughly 48% of offenders were juveniles aged 12 to 17. Many attackers then upload that footage to social media, a practice dubbed “post and boast.”
Investigations by ABC News have linked some incidents to radicalised youth with ties to extremist ideologies, including far-right “manosphere” rhetoric and ISIS.
What apps and advocates are doing
Grindr has introduced in-app safety alerts in areas with high numbers of reported assaults. Advocacy organisation Thorne Harbour Health urges users to verify identities through a video call before meeting, arrange first meetups in public places, and keep a trusted person informed of their whereabouts.
Police also stress that incidents should be reported even if you are not publicly out. Investigators can act even when a profile has been deleted or blocked.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
In Australia…
Lifeline Australia offers 24/7 crisis support via phone on 13 11 14 or through web chat services available at Lifeline.org.au.
Beyond Blue provides support via phone at 1300 22 4636 and also offers web chat options through their website, Beyondblue.org.au.
QLife offers dedicated LGBTQIA+ support services. You can reach them by phone on 1800 184 527 or find web chat details at qlife.org.au.
You can also search “Queer and LGBTQI+ community support services in Australia” at www.ABC.net.au for additional local resources.
In the USA…
The Trevor Project provides help internationally via their website TheTrevorProject.org/get-help/.
