Majority Of Aussie Dating App Users Have Experienced Sexual Violence
If you’ve ventured into the wild world of online dating, you already know it’s not all butterflies and “meet-cute” moments. People can behave appallingly on dating apps and unfortunately, the reality is even bleaker than you might think.
According to a survey conducted by The Australian Institute of Criminology, a staggering three-quarters of app users have experienced some form of sexual violence.
And the truly harrowing stat? One in three respondents reported experiencing in-person sexual violence from someone they initially met online. This includes acts of sexual assault, coercion, reproductive and sexual-health-related abuse, and in-person image-based sexual abuse. And if you’re part of the LGBTIQ+ community, the odds of experiencing such violence are even higher.
It’s the stuff of nightmares and it’s happening way too often.
Recently, the Federal Government demanded dating apps step up and create a voluntary code of practice to enhance user safety or face legislative consequences. Sounds promising, right? Except for that one pesky word: voluntary. Letting any industry self-regulate is dicey at best, but when it’s one responsible for connecting people in ways that sometimes lead to harm? “Dicey” doesn’t quite cut it.
So, where does that leave us? With dating app companies and governments dragging their feet on meaningful change, it’s clear that the responsibility for safety often falls on users. And while that’s incredibly unfair, it also underscores the importance of taking your own precautions when navigating the dating scene.
Be vigilant about who you meet. Set clear boundaries and trust your gut if something feels off.
And for extra peace of mind, consider a dating background check. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about being prepared.
At Venus Investigations, we specialise in confidential background checks for online dating. Whether you’re concerned about a dodgy match or just want to feel safer meeting someone new, we’re here to help. Because you deserve to date with confidence.