"Less than two weeks after three Maryland teenagers allegedly murdered, Brian Betts [pictured], a popular middle school teacher they met on a gay hook-up site, a new report indicates incidences of so-called anti-LGBT pick-up violence are on the rise," reports Michael K. Lavers. "The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released the report on April 29 based on data its 39 member organizations around the country. The New York City Anti-Violence Project, for example, reported more than 25 incidents in 2009. And these crimes included robberies, druggings, sexual violence and even murder after victims met their assailants on Adam4Adam, Craigslist and other hook-up and Web sites. Lisa Gilmore, director of education and victim advocacy for the Center on Halsted in Chicago, told EDGE there are several factors that have contributed to this increase in hook-up violence. These include more perpetrators know how to use technology-and specifically hook-up sites, the stigmas associated with anonymous sex and fear to go to law enforcement."READ MORE
