Police say people getting beaten up for no good reason along East Broadway

Gang initiation?

If Southie's overall history of violence is any indication, the random beatings of innocent people on East Broadway should come as no surprise, especially to those who are well aware of Southie's overall history.

"Southie's overall history of violence.." ?? Try spending a night in certain other parts of Boston and if you come out alive tell us all about Southie's history of violence. As for gay-bashing, please check the stats and see how much more pervasive that particular activity is in other areas of Boston.

Any police officer will tell you, and the statistics back this up, Southie is one of the safest places around. That's one of the reasons you all are coming here, isn't it? And that's why when things like this happen, neighborhood groups come together, and with the assistance of local police, try to do something about it. And that's why they'll be going after the drug dealers. So, whether you're a dealer or just a punk, watch out. These groups will never let Southie become like a lot of other Boston neighborhoods.

As stated in one of the prior comments, where are these children's parents ? Do they not know where or what their children are doing ? Or is it that they just don't care ? Another random attack occurred on the evening of Friday, November 18th at 10pm in the area of the Gate of Heaven church (East 4th/5th between H/I Streets). There was a group of CHILDREN, ages 13 to 17, that were drinking in the church parking lot and randomly lashed out and started beating on a young man. The altercation then spilled into a neighbors GATED front yard, the group threw a large picnic bench at the home (which caused damage to the siding) and refused to leave the property, even after the homeowner's came out to help the young man who was in trouble. Numerous calls were made by neighbors, but officers did not arrive on scene until after the group had scattered. The CHILDREN continued to harass the neighbors & yet again, it seemed as though nothing was done to try and detained these minors. With more than one random incident taking place, why are there no visible officers patrolling the area(s) of concern ? Why are these CHILDREN not being detained and held accountable for their actions and causing such disturbances in what used to be a wonderful, family oriented neighborhood ? The lighting around the Gate of Heaven Church/School and the Tynan School is horrible ! Maybe if there was more lighting in the area(s) of concern and a larger police presence, maybe these incidents would not take place.