Dating Safety Tips

Interacting with new people can be thrilling, but it's essential to exercise caution, especially with unfamiliar individuals. Prioritize your safety by employing sound judgment, whether you're exchanging messages or meeting face-to-face. While you can't dictate others' actions, there are proactive steps you can take to ensure your safety throughout your Phirstsight journey.

Online Safety

• Never Send Money or Share Financial Information: Avoid sending money, especially via wire transfer, even in emergency situations. Wiring funds is akin to sending cash and is difficult to reverse or trace. Refrain from sharing details that could compromise your financial accounts. If someone requests money, promptly report it.
• Protect Your Personal Information: Safeguard personal details like your social security number, home or work address, and daily routine from individuals you don't know. If you're a parent, limit disclosures about your children, including their names, school, or age. Exercise caution in early communications to avoid sharing sensitive information.
• Exercise Caution with Long Distance and Overseas Relationships: Remain vigilant for individuals posing as locals but stranded elsewhere, particularly if they solicit financial aid to return home. Approach with caution those unwilling to meet in person or engage in phone/video calls, as their identity may be dubious. Beware of individuals evading questions or rushing into serious commitments without prior face-to-face interaction.
• Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior: Identify and report any behavior that violates community guidelines. Examples include solicitation for funds, underage users, harassment, threats, offensive messages, inappropriate conduct during or after meetings, fraudulent profiles, and spam. Report concerns about suspicious behavior.
• Secure Your Account: Employ caution when accessing your account from public or shared devices. Phirstsight will never request your account credentials via email. Should you receive such a request, report it immediately.

Meeting In Person

• Take Your Time: Avoid rushing into in-person meetings. Take the time to get to know the other person by email and don't hesitate to ask questions to identify any concerns or dealbreakers. Utilize phone or video calls as screening tools before arranging in-person meetings.
• Choose Public Meeting Places: Opt for populated, public locations for initial meetings—never at private residences. If your date suggests a private venue, consider it a red flag and end the date.
• Inform Friends and Family: Share your plans with trusted friends or family members, including details of your whereabouts and meeting times. Ensure your cell phone is charged and accessible at all times.
• Take Charge of Transportation: Maintain control over your transportation arrangements to and from the date venue, enabling you to leave at any time. If driving, have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend on standby.
• Know Your Limits: Be mindful of the impact of drugs or alcohol on your judgment and alertness. Stand firm if pressured to consume substances beyond your comfort level.
• Guard Your Belongings: Keep track of your drinks and personal items, accepting only those directly served by the bartender or server. Many substances used for assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Keep valuables like your phone, wallet, and personal information with you at all times.
• Trust Your Instincts: Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to end the date early if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Seek assistance from the bartender or server if needed.

Sexual Health & Consent

• Protect Your Health: Condoms, when used correctly and consistently, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting STIs like HIV. However, be mindful of STIs such as herpes or HPV that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Some STIs can be prevented through vaccination.
• Stay Informed About Your Health: Not all STIs exhibit symptoms, and it's crucial to know your status. Regular testing helps you stay proactive about your health and prevents the spread of STIs. Find a nearby clinic for testing (US only).
• Open Communication: Communication is key: Discuss sexual health and STI testing with your partner before becoming physically intimate. Be aware that in certain areas, knowingly transmitting an STI is a punishable offense.
• Respectful Consent: Consensual sexual activity necessitates ongoing communication and mutual agreement between partners. Verbal communication helps establish and maintain boundaries. Remember, consent can be revoked at any time, and sex is never obligatory. Refrain from proceeding if your partner appears uncomfortable or unable to consent due to substance use.

Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: 1-844-878-2274 | www.cybercivilrights.org
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
• LGBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564 | www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) | www.cybertipline.com
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | www.thehotline.org
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 | www.humantraffickinghotline.org
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center: 1-877-739-3895 | www.nsvrc.org
• Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-7526 | www.plannedparenthood.org
• RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | online.rainn.org | www.rainn.org
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (CA) | www.translifeline.org
• VictimConnect - Crime Victim Resource Center: 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) | www.victimconnect.org

While no approach to risk mitigation is flawless, it's crucial to understand that experiencing negative situations is not your responsibility, and support is accessible. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from the resources listed above if you encounter challenges. If you perceive an immediate threat or require urgent aid, dial 911 or contact your local law enforcement promptly.