Protecting Yourself from Pick-Up Crimes
By Melissa Pope, Director of Victim Services

With the tragic murder of William Boss, we are reminded how dangerous this world can be for the LGBT community.  We are grateful in this case that at least the perpetrator has been caught and will, hopefully, be brought to justice.  The assailant is currently undergoing a psychiatric evaluation and is due back in court in April.  We will be monitoring this trial and will share with you what we learn as the trial progresses.

The circumstances surrounding William’s murder indicate that this may have been a pick-up crime.  In pick-up crimes, the victim is chosen because they are vulnerable.  In some cases, that means that the perpetrator thinks it will be easy to persuade the victim to go to a secluded location to rob, beat, sexually assault or kill the victim.  In other cases, the victim may be chosen because they are not out or not out in all aspects of their life.  The assailant thinks that the victim won’t report the crime. It is paramount that you know some ways to keep yourself safe whether you are interacting with partners out in the community or online.

•     Find out who your date is. Ask for your date’s first name, where they work and live, what they like and do not like. Ask around if anyone knows the person.

•     Introduce your date to your friends or the bartender. Tell a friend where you are going. Make sure your date knows you spread the word about them.

•     Do not leave your drink unattended.

•     Only accept drinks that you either watch being poured or that have a cap.

•     Tell a friend.  Tell a friend where you are going and what time you expect to be back.  Arrange a time that you will contact them to let them know you are safe.

•     Protect your valuables. Do not carry extra cash. If you bring someone home, do not leave your wallet, cash or valuables in sight. Your possessions and the person you brought home could all be gone while you are in the shower or sleeping.

•   Be cautious about revealing information that could identify you. For example, if you give someone your listed phone number, they can get your real name and street address.

•   For your first meeting, pick a place that’s public and neutral. If you’re traveling to visit them in their town or neighborhood, you should pick a place you’re comfortable with when you arrive.

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      Always carry a cell phone.  This will allow you to call 911 at anytime.  If finances are tight, purchase a pre-paid cell phone.

•     Know that, no matter what, violence is NEVER your fault.

Unfortunately, there is little we can do for William Boss other than keep a watchful eye on the murder trial and try to comfort those who knew and loved him.  We can, however, take a few steps to try and keep our community safe from this type of violence in the future.

If you are the victim of violence, call Triangle Foundation at 1-877-787-4264.  We can help.