Safety Center

Dating Safety Tips for “Shoot Your Shot” Users

Engaging with new individuals on “Shoot Your Shot” is an exciting experience, but it’s essential to prioritize your safety when interacting with people you haven’t met before. Trust your instincts during online interactions and in-person meetings, ensuring your safety is always at the forefront.

Online Safety:

1. Financial Security:
   • Scam Awareness: Understand common online scams, such as requests for money under false pretenses or financial exploitation. Be cautious if someone asks for money or financial assistance, especially if you haven’t met them in person.
   • Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter suspicious behavior related to finances, such as requests for money or offers that seem too good to be true, report it to the platform immediately.
   • Financial Independence: Avoid sharing sensitive financial information or sending money to individuals you’ve met online. Protect your financial security by refraining from engaging in financial transactions with unknown persons.
2. Personal Information:
   • Data Protection: Be mindful of the personal information you share online, including your full name, address, phone number, social security number, and financial details. Limit the information displayed on your profile and avoid disclosing sensitive details to strangers.
   • Privacy Settings: Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings of the platform to control who can access your profile information and contact you. Adjust settings to enhance your privacy and security online.
   • Identity Verification: Take steps to verify the identity of individuals you interact with online, especially before sharing personal information or meeting in person. Use caution when communicating with users who refuse to provide identifying information or exhibit suspicious behavior.
3. Platform Communication:
   • Message Safety: Utilize the messaging features provided by the platform for communication with other users. These features often include safety measures such as message filtering and reporting options to protect users from harmful interactions.
   • Avoid External Communication: Keep conversations within the platform’s messaging system to benefit from built-in safety features and maintain a record of communication. Refrain from sharing personal contact information, such as phone numbers or social media profiles, until you’ve established trust with the other person.
   • Platform Policies: Familiarize yourself with the platform’s policies and guidelines regarding communication and interaction between users. Adhere to these policies to ensure a safe and respectful online environment for all users.
4. Distant Relationships:
   • Caution with Long-Distance Connections: Exercise caution when engaging in relationships with individuals who claim to be in distant locations or facing emergencies abroad. Be skeptical of requests for financial assistance or offers that seem too good to be true.
   • Verification Process: Verify the identity and intentions of individuals claiming to be in distant locations before providing any form of assistance or deepening the relationship. Use online resources, communication tools, and trusted contacts to confirm the legitimacy of their claims.
   • Protective Measures: Prioritize your safety and well-being when considering involvement in long-distance relationships. Take steps to verify the authenticity of the other person’s identity and intentions, and proceed with caution to avoid potential scams or exploitation.

In-Person Meetings:

1. Preparation:
   • Virtual Communication: Get to know the person better through virtual communication channels before arranging an in-person meeting. Use video calls or phone conversations to establish rapport and verify the person’s identity.
   • Background Research: Conduct background research on the individual, including online searches and social media checks, to gather additional information and verify their identity. Look for red flags or inconsistencies in their profile and behavior.
   • Meeting Expectations: Clarify expectations and boundaries with the other person before meeting in person. Discuss preferences for the location, duration, and purpose of the meeting to ensure mutual understanding and comfort.
2. Public Venues:
   • Safe Meeting Locations: Choose public venues for initial meetings to ensure safety and comfort for both parties. Select well-lit, populated locations such as coffee shops, restaurants, or parks to minimize risks and facilitate open communication.
   • Avoid Isolation: Steer clear of secluded or private locations for first meetings, as they may increase the risk of encountering potential dangers or discomfort. Opt for public settings with easy access to assistance and support if needed.
3. Inform Others:
   • Share Meeting Details: Inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans to meet someone from the platform. Provide them with details such as the location, date, and time of the meeting, as well as the individual’s profile information and contact details.
   • Emergency Contact: Establish a system for emergency communication with your trusted contact during the meeting. Share your mobile phone number or set up a check-in schedule to ensure your safety and well-being.
4. Transport Independence:
   • Personal Transportation: Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting location to maintain control over your travel arrangements. Use public transportation, a ride-sharing service, or drive yourself to ensure flexibility and independence.
   • Avoid Rides from Strangers: Refrain from accepting rides from the person you’re meeting or sharing your home address for pick-up or drop-off. Prioritize your safety by arranging transportation independently and maintaining personal control over your travel plans.

Health & Consent:

1. Protective Measures:
   • Safe Practices: Prioritize your sexual health and well-being by practicing safe behaviors and using protection during intimate encounters. Use barrier methods such as condoms and dental dams to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.
   • Regular Testing: Get tested for STIs regularly and encourage your partner to do the same. Schedule routine check-ups with healthcare professionals to monitor your sexual health and address any concerns or symptoms promptly.
2. Consent:
   • Understanding Consent: Educate yourself and your partner about the importance of consent in sexual relationships. Understand that consent must be voluntary, enthusiastic, and ongoing throughout any sexual activity. Respect your partner’s boundaries and communicate openly about desires, limits, and comfort levels.
   • Communication is Key: Prioritize open and honest communication with your partner about consent and sexual preferences. Encourage discussions about desires, boundaries, and expectations to ensure mutual understanding and respect.

Resources for Help, Support, or Advice:

If you encounter any issues or feel unsafe while using “Shoot Your Shot,” assistance is available through various resources:

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, providing confidential support and resources to survivors of sexual violence 24/7. You can reach the hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or access their online chat at online.rainn.org.
• Planned Parenthood: Planned Parenthood offers sexual and reproductive health care services, including information, education, and resources related to sexual health and well-being. You can contact Planned Parenthood’s national hotline at 1-800-230-7526 or visit their website at www.plannedparenthood.org for more information.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides support, information, and resources to individuals affected by domestic violence, including survivors, their friends, and family members. You can reach the hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website at www.thehotline.org.
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: The National Human Trafficking Hotline offers assistance and resources to victims and survivors of human trafficking, as well as concerned individuals and community members. You can contact the hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit their website at www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): NSVRC provides information, resources, and support to individuals and organizations working to end sexual violence and support survivors. You can reach NSVRC at 1-877-739-3895 or visit their website at www.nsvrc.org.
• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative offers support and resources to individuals affected by non-consensual pornography (revenge porn) and other forms of online harassment or abuse. You can contact the initiative at 1-844-878-2274 or visit their website at www.cybercivilrights.org.
• VictimConnect: VictimConnect is a national helpline and resource center for victims of crime, providing support, information, and referrals to local services and resources. You can contact VictimConnect at 1-855-4VICTIM or visit their website at www.victimconnect.org.
• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) accepts reports of online scams, fraud, and cybercrime, including incidents related to online dating and social media. You can file a complaint with IC3 at www.ic3.gov.
• LGBT National Help Center: The LGBT National Help Center offers support, information, and resources to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning individuals, as well as their friends, family members, and allies. You can contact the center at 1-888-843-4564 or visit their website at www.lgbtnationalhelpcenter.org.
• Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline provides support and resources to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, including a hotline staffed by trans-identified volunteers. You can reach Trans Lifeline in the United States at 1-877-565-8860 or in Canada at 1-877-330-6366, or visit their website at www.translifeline.org.

These resources offer a range of support and assistance to ensure users can find help during challenging situations, ensuring a safer and more informed dating experience on “Shoot Your Shot.” Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to feel safe and supported in your relationships and interactions.