
Police statistics show homophobic assaults have risen in the latest reporting period, with 21 reported cases in Victoria in 2006-07, up from 17 in 2005-06. However, the figures indicate a general dip in reported homophobic assaults, with 30 recorded in 2001-02. Sergeant Scott Davis, head of the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit in the Victoria Police, says that while he hopes the rise is due to more people reporting homophobic crimes, it's difficult to tell.