ABILENE, Texas — According to RAINN, Rape, abuse, incest network, more than 40 million Americans use online dating services or dating apps.
But whether you are meeting online or offline there is a few steps you can take to keep yourself from being a victim of sexual assault/ violence.
“You need to be mindful of who your talking to you need to be mindful of the things that your sharing online. Posting things on your profile ..and especially making sure you turn off your locations, everyone doesn’t need to know where you are” said Fiona Smith, Prevention Director, Noah Project.
Courtesy of RAINN:
The list below offers a few examples of some common stories or suspicious behaviors scammers may use to build trust and sympathy so they can manipulate another user in an unhealthy way.
Asks for financial assistance in any way, often because of a sudden personal crisis
Claims to be from the United States but is currently living, working, or traveling abroad
Claims to be recently widowed with children
Disappears suddenly from the site then reappears under a different name
Gives vague answers to specific questions
Overly complimentary and romantic too early in your communication
Pressures you to provide your phone number or talk outside the dating app or site
Requests your home or work address under the guise of sending flowers or gifts
Tells inconsistent or grandiose stories
Uses disjointed language and grammar, but has a high level of education
Examples of user behavior you may want to report can include:
Requests financial assistance
Requests photographs
Is a minor
Sends harassing or offensive messages
Attempts to threaten or intimidate you in any way
Seems to have created a fake profile
Tries to sell you products or services