West Hollywood is reeling in response to the third assault on a
homosexual man this month in the predominantly gay community, leaving
many to anticipate additional hate crimes. On September 22, a gay man as
yet unidentified by the police was beaten from behind. And earlier this
month, on September 2, two other homosexual men were attacked in the same
area. One of the victims, Treve Broudy, was left beaten and unconscious
on the street.
"If you're looking for a gay person in West Hollywood, you don't
need to look very hard," says Matthew Weissman, Ph.D., director of the
Affirmative Psychotherapy Group in Washington, D.C. "It is one of the
most populous gay communities, and there is a great deal of street life."
The town's very nature leads many locals to worry that the unknown
assailants will return to the area, bringing with them more
violence.
"People who are feeling powerless in their life—for whatever
reason—look for a way to feel potent and forceful," explains
Weissman." Gay people are a very easy target." Traumatic life events such
as job loss and divorce can rid individuals of a sense of security and
control, which can in turn trigger violence. Drug and alcohol abuse can
also lower inhibitions, and some mental illnesses also negatively impact
impulse control.
Still, these recent West Hollywood hate crimes appear to be much
more the exception than the rule, as people usually refrain from violent
action. "Most of us are not going out to beat up on Republicans if we are
Democrats," says Weissman. "Most people can hold themselves in
check."
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