Dating app users vulnerable to sexual violence

New research highlights the need for dating apps to protect Australians against sexual predators.

The increasing popularity of online dating platforms has been matched by a surge in users experiencing dating app‑facilitated sexual violence (DAFSV).

DAFSV includes behaviours such as sending, demanding or threatening to share a sexually explicit image or video without consent, pressuring respondents to meet in person, and posting offensive comments.

The new Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) report has found dating app users were more vulnerable to DAFSV if they:

• used more than one platform at the same time;
• paid to use a dating platform;
• primarily used an app rather than a website;
• linked social media accounts to their dating platform account; or
• shared sexual or relationship preference information on their dating profile.

Following the Albanese Government’s National Roundtable on Online Dating Safety convened last year, Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland requested online dating services operating in Australia develop a voluntary code of practice to better protect people who use their services.

The new code, which commenced on October 2024, requires online dating services operating in Australia to better protect people who use their services.

The Government has made clear to the dating industry that if the code does not sufficiently improve safety for users of online dating services we will consider whether further action is needed, including regulation.

The Australian Government expects online dating platforms to keep their users safe through accessible and responsive reporting mechanisms, support for victim-survivors, processes and policies that hold perpetrators accountable, and by incorporating safety by design processes.

We are continuing to work with these platforms directly, and supporting community-based initiatives to protect all users of dating sites from sexual predators.

This paper builds on the AIC’s collection of research into DAFSV and child sexual exploitation, including Sexual harassment, aggression and violence victimisation among mobile dating app and website users in Australia’, which found that nearly three quarters of people using the apps reported they have been subject to sexual violence, abuse, harassment or threats.

The full reports are available on the AIC website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via https://www.1800respect.org.au/ or text 0458 737 732.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au           

Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Australian Institute of Criminology

The AIC is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.