Sexual assaults during meetups arranged through online dating websites are increasingly alarming. According to a sexual assault attorney, only a few dating sites check and verify their users.
A survey showed that most of the members of online dating apps experienced sexual assault while using their services.
Unfortunately, most apps don’t have a way to resolve this issue. In fact, some smaller apps make it impossible to report sexual assault on their app.
The reason for this is dating apps don’t have a team dedicated to resolving a risk inherent in a dating industry built on intimacy, which is sexual assault.
Many online dating companies fail to anticipate abuse. Hence, they don’t implement safeguards to protect their users.
That’s why you should only use a reliable dating app, like eHarmony.
If you have been sexually assaulted after meeting someone from an online dating service, what should you do?
Should You Talk to a Sexual Assault Attorney?
You should consider it. However, the best course of action is to make an official report. An attorney will also recommend it.
Reporting the incident to the police will ensure that the predator will be investigated. You will get the protection that you need in case the assailant will continue to harass you.
Get the Right Medical Care
This is a difficult situation. It’s understandable if you are swamped with emotions after the event occurs.
But you must not allow your feelings to prevent you from getting the medical attention that you need. It’s necessary to get physical evidence against the predator.
Report it to the Dating App
You may think that it’s no longer necessary to file a report to the app about this incident. But reporting it will help your case.
Furthermore, when you report the assault, the app will take appropriate actions. It may block or remove the user from using the platform. In that way, it won’t happen to other users.
When you report it to the app, you have to provide comprehensive details to help your report.
The details will include your phone number, contact information, and email address.
You may also be asked about the specific location where it happened and the username of your perpetrator.
As mentioned earlier, not all dating sites have a dedicated team to facilitate this kind of report. Only reliable apps have a dedicated customer service hotline.
Should You Press Charges and Find a Sexual Assault Attorney?
Pressing charges is ideal to prevent the other person from doing it again to anyone else. But pressing charges can trigger a lot of emotions. That’s why it’s best that you seek support.
Experiencing this kind of situation is traumatic. It is challenging to deal with. There are online support sites that cater to people who experienced the same event.
Joining these sites will be beneficial. But make sure to only join reliable sites. They are the ones that can offer you genuine assistance to process your emotions.
What If the Time Has Passed?
Unfortunately, many sexual assault victims are reluctant to go to the police to report what happened. They are ashamed that they utilize an online dating app to find a mate.
But some of them aren’t embarrassed. Rather, they are afraid that their perpetrator will haunt them.
They also feel that it was their fault. So, they let it pass.
However, the assault can take a toll on their emotions.
If the event has passed, you should gather evidence that you have relating to the event. It’s not too late yet to go to the police and report the assault by using an online dating app.
Because this kind of event is not new, the authorities know what to do to help you.
Work with a Lawyer
If you’re afraid of going to the police, you may talk to an attorney first. The lawyer will provide you with the next steps on how to pursue legal action.
How to Protect Yourself?
Most dating apps don’t carry out criminal background checks on their users. In that case, it is up to you to determine if you are comfortable meeting up with someone you met online.
If you experience sexual violence or assault while dating online, it’s important to remember that the event is not your fault.
Avoid Communicating with Suspicious Profiles
People go to online dating sites to find a match. Unfortunately, sexual predators are also using these services to find their next victim.
These predators want to hide their identity. Thus, they only post one photo of themselves. If you notice that the person you matched doesn’t have a bio or links to social media accounts, it can be a sign that it’s a fake account.
Always use caution if you want to connect with someone who has little information online.
Report Suspicious Users
If you think that the account is suspicious, you may report it to the dating app.
If your instinct is telling you that there’s something wrong with that person’s profile, you should trust it and report the profile.
There are many red flags that you must know to prevent yourself from communicating with a predator.
For instance, if the person claims that he’s recently widowed with kids or becomes overly romantic too early, it can be a red flag.
And if your match requests your home address so he can send you flowers, don’t. It’s a trap.
Video Chat First Before Meeting in Person
Messaging through an online dating app is different from video chat. The latter allows you to see the face of your potential match.
That’s why before you agree to meet up in person, make sure to video chat first. This will verify that your match is who he claims to be in his profile. If he resists doing a video call with you, then it’s a sign.
Tell Your Family Where You’re Going
Don’t go out there meeting this potential match without your family and friends knowing where you are going. Screenshot your date’s profile and send it to your sister, brother, or a trusted friend.
You should let your friend or a family friend know where you are going on a date. And if you are going to a location that isn’t in the plan, let your fired know.
Meet in a Public Place
You should not allow him to meet you in your home or workplace. Instead, meet him for the first time in a coffee shop or a restaurant. Go to a place where there are people who can witness whatever nefarious things he has in mind.
But don’t go to public parks.
If you feel uncomfortable during your first date, talk to a waiter or call the police. Or contact your friend to give you a ride home.
Trust Your Instincts
Seeing too many red flags during your first date can be alarming. You should trust your instincts. Feel free to leave.
You’re not being rude. You’re just keeping yourself safe. If your date isn’t who you think he is, he’ll understand it.
Get the Necessary Support
You’re not alone in this situation. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, talking to an attorney may be a good idea.
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