Dating Apps have revolutionized the way people meet and connect with potential partners, offering convenience and accessibility like never before. However, alongside the benefits, there are also risks, with Harassment being a prevalent issue that many users encounter.

Understanding Harassment on Dating Apps

Harassment on dating apps can take various forms, ranging from unwanted messages and explicit photos to persistent stalking behavior. It’s important to recognize that harassment is not only unwanted but can also have a significant impact on your mental health and well-being. By understanding the signs of harassment, you can better protect yourself and take appropriate action when necessary.

Recognizing Signs of Harassment

Learning to recognize the signs of harassment is crucial for effectively addressing the issue. An attorney from Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, a sexual harassment law firm in Orange County, CA, gave a few examples of what harassment, especially sexual harassment can look like including, but not limited to:

• Requests for sexual favors
• Threats or intimidation
• Sexual jokes, slurs, epithets or comments
• Discussing one’s appearance using sexual terms
• Sending unsolicited messages or images containing sexual content

Trusting your instincts and understanding the difference between harmless flirting and harassment can help you identify when action needs to be taken. You should never feel uncomfortable or unsafe during interactions.

Taking Immediate Action

If you experience harassment on a dating app, it’s essential to take immediate action to protect yourself and address the situation. Sexual harassment goes against Bumble’s community guidelines and other dating app’s guidelines. This isn’t just for actions taken online, but offline as well. Bumble is just one of many different dating apps available to users.

Most dating apps have features that allow you to block and report users who engage in harassing behavior. By blocking the harasser and reporting their actions to the app’s support team, you can prevent further contact and help ensure the safety of yourself and others. Hinge, another dating app, has a graphic of what happens from the first report to the resolution.

Protecting Your Privacy and Safety

In addition to blocking and reporting the harasser, it’s important to take steps to protect your privacy and safety on dating apps. This may include adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can contact you or view your profile, avoiding sharing personal information too quickly or with unknown individuals, and using caution when arranging in-person meetings with matches. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) gave a list of other helpful tips for safer online dating and how to stay safe before the data and when meeting up in person. Being proactive about your safety can reduce the risk of experiencing harassment and protect yourself from potential harm.

Utilizing Support Resources

Facing harassment on a dating app can be distressing, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are numerous support resources available to help you navigate these challenging situations. Many dating apps have dedicated support teams that can assist you in addressing harassment and ensuring your safety. Additionally, you can seek support from friends, family, or support hotlines that specialize in assisting victims of harassment. The following are additional resources you can reach out to:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Love is Respect:Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 or call 1-866-331-9474

Legal Options and Recourse

In some cases, harassment on dating apps may escalate to the point where legal action is necessary. Understanding your legal rights and options is essential for protecting yourself and holding the harasser accountable for their actions. You may consult legal experts or advocacy organizations that specialize in addressing harassment cases. If the harassment becomes threatening or escalates to offline behavior, you may need to file reports with law enforcement to ensure your safety and well-being.

Self-Care and Recovery

Experiencing harassment on a dating app can take a toll on your emotional well-being, so it’s important to prioritize self-care and recovery. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones, can help you cope with the effects of harassment. Remember that recovery is a process, and it’s okay to seek professional help if you’re struggling to cope with the aftermath of harassment.

The post What To Do If You Experience Harassment on Dating Apps appeared first on StreetWise Journal.