THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA SHARES TIPS ON HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILE USING ONLINE DATING APPS
October 4, 2023: The City of Alexandria’s Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) is aware of an increase in survivors of sexual assault who utilized online dating apps. Survivors shared the experience of connecting with individuals on dating apps, meeting up with them, then experiencing sexual abuse, ranging from inappropriate touching to rape.
In some situations, the survivor was given a fake name by the perpetrator. The apps make it possible to use first names only or fake names, and to lie about age and other details, which increases the danger level. Furthermore, if communication is via app messaging only (not text messages or emails, for example), imposters can always delete their account, which makes it difficult to track down the perpetrator. “Anonymity is a curse and a blessing,” says Debbie Evans, Division Chief of the Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program at DCHS.
Visit the Sexual Assault Center page to watch the Virtual Dating App Safety and Education Presentation, view or download a list of tips on how to safely use dating apps, and learn more about our program and how we offer support to victims of sexual assault and their families and friends.
The presentation can also be accessed using the following links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-bRb7WSjD4
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1i1aaKrJj9JsaAfUq32yuT?si=3jZ_sskLTD-evW2G2kny9A
Here are seven tips on how to stay safe before connecting with strangers online:
- Use different photos for your dating profile to avoid being searched by photo
- Wait to share personal info
- Use an alternative phone number
- Video chat before you meet up in person
- Tell a friend where you're going or share your location
- Meet in a public place
- Drive yourself or take public transportation
To learn more about sexual violence and how to stay safe, visit the DCHS website.