It's frightening how differently people behave when hidden behind the cloak of online anonymity.
I believe that requiring users to display their legal name would make a difference. The Times online recently implemented a similar policy, mandating that users show at least their last name and first initial. I have noticed that since this, the number of unacceptable (racist, misogynistic, classist etc) comments under articles has dropped significantly.
Maybe you could initiate something similar
@Jaysen @Jessica Booker