Summary
The Dark Side of Online Dating
The rise of internet dating has led to an unprecedented increase in sexual violence, likened to a second global pandemic. Women, in particular, have shared harrowing experiences of meeting men on dating apps who initially seemed normal but eventually assaulted them.
Alarming Statistics
- A staggering 74% of surveyed users have experienced sexual violence online or in person, causing harm to emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
- Forensic specialists Dr. Joanna Tully and Dr. Janine Rouse have seen an added layer of shame and stigma in victims who met their offenders online, making it difficult for them to reconcile the violent assault with the charming online persona.
Bee’s Horrific Experience
Bee, a mother, matched with a man online and met up with him, thinking he was safe and normal. However, he had other intentions and became aggressive, refusing to take no for an answer, and eventually forced her to perform oral sex on the side of the road.
The Online Space: A Breeding Ground for Sexual Assault
Offenders are using platforms to meet victims, share images, and even provide instructional guides for sexual assault and drugging. Many victims, often feeling ashamed and complicit, do not report the incidents, leading to a significant number of unreported cases.
Children: The Most Vulnerable Victims
The situation is particularly disturbing when it comes to children, who are increasingly meeting their abusers online, with the perpetrator essentially entering the child’s private space. Dr. Joanna Tully is seeing an alarming increase in underage victims who have been active on dating and social media sites, with Snapchat being a common platform where offenders are met.
A Mother’s Terrifying Experience
Allison shares her terrifying experience where her daughter was lured into a toilet cubicle by a 19-year-old who posed as a 15-year-old boy on Snapchat, and was subjected to sexual assault and photography.
The Importance of Education and Prevention
A woman was raped by someone she met online and reported it to her friend, who immediately called the police and had evidence collected. However, under the consent laws at the time, the perpetrator couldn’t be charged because the victim didn’t fight or verbally say no. This highlights the importance of educating ourselves and our children about online safety and working together to prevent such crimes, as law enforcement faces significant challenges in this area.
A Call for Change
Australia has introduced a new code of conduct for dating apps, which requires them to monitor users and make reporting easier, but it’s voluntary and lacks enforcement. While it’s a step in the right direction, many are turning to in-person matchmaking as a safer and more meaningful way to find a romantic partner.
An Alternative to Online Dating
A Sydney-based company, “Dating Apps Suck,” offers an alternative to online dating by hosting events where people can meet in person, without smartphones. The company’s founder, Brenda Van, says that traditional dating apps have become too digitized and focused on making money, leading to a lack of trust and safety concerns.
Key Vocabulary
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Sexual Violence | Physical or emotional harm caused by sexual assault or harassment. | “A staggering 74% of surveyed users have experienced sexual violence online or in person.” |
| Online Persona | A person’s online identity, often presented as charming or normal. | “Forensic specialists Dr. Joanna Tully and Dr. Janine Rouse have seen an added layer of shame and stigma in victims who met their offenders online, making it difficult for them to reconcile the violent assault with the charming online persona.” |
| Shame and Stigma | Feelings of guilt, embarrassment, and humiliation associated with being a victim of sexual violence. | “Forensic specialists Dr. Joanna Tully and Dr. Janine Rouse have seen an added layer of shame and stigma in victims who met their offenders online.” |
| Consent Laws | Laws regulating sexual consent, often requiring explicit verbal or physical resistance. | “However, under the consent laws at the time, the perpetrator couldn’t be charged because the victim didn’t fight or verbally say no.” |
| Code of Conduct | A set of guidelines or rules for online platforms to ensure user safety and prevent sexual violence. | “Australia has introduced a new code of conduct for dating apps, which requires them to monitor users and make reporting easier.” |
| In-Person Matchmaking | A method of finding romantic partners through face-to-face interactions, often at events or gatherings. | “Many are turning to in-person matchmaking as a safer and more meaningful way to find a romantic partner.” |
| Digitized Dating | The use of technology and online platforms for finding romantic partners, often prioritizing convenience and profit over safety and meaningful connections. | “The company’s founder, Brenda Van, says that traditional dating apps have become too digitized and focused on making money, leading to a lack of trust and safety concerns.” |
Watch The Video
Vocabulary Quiz
1. Which word means ‘extremely shocking or disturbing’?
A) Traumatic
B) Alarming
D) Horrific
2. Which word means ‘a feeling of deep regret or guilt’?
A) Shame
C) Stigma
D) Harm
3. Which word means ‘to make something or someone seem less serious or important’?
A) Downplay
B) Reconcile
C) Highlight
4. Which word means ‘to make someone do something they do not want to do by using force or threats’?
A) Force
B) Refuse
C) Compel
5. Which word means ‘to make something or someone seem less guilty or responsible’?
A) Downplay
B) Excuse
D) Justify
Answer Key:
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. A
5. A
Grammar Focus
Grammar Focus: The Use of Participial Phrases
Grammar Quiz:
- Which of the following is an example of a participial phrase?
- What function do participial phrases serve in a sentence?
- Which of the following sentences uses a participial phrase to describe the subject?
- What is the effect of using participial phrases in the given text?
- Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of participial phrases?
Answer Key:
- having seen an added layer of shame
- They modify nouns or pronouns.
- The child was lured into a toilet cubicle by a 19-year-old.
- It adds depth and emotion to the narrative.
- They introduce a new clause.