SAFE DATING TIPS
Last revised on 07/08/2019
ISDOP brings people together from online to offline and our community is constantly growing.
We understand that meeting someone for the first time on an outing is intriguing and exciting. However, your safety is very important, and because you are in control of your ISDOP experience, there are certain safety tips that you should follow while dating.
We ask you to read the tips and information below and strongly urge you to follow these guidelines in the interest of your personal safety and well-being. However, you are always the best judge of your own safety, and these guidelines are not intended to be a substitute for your own judgment.
Protect Your Finances & Never Send Financial Information
Never respond to any request to send money outside of this App, especially overseas or via wire transfer, and report it to us immediately – even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Your money and banking information is safe with us if you use ISDOP payment method and no one else has access to it. The money will only be transferred when the QR code was scanned. Again, do not share any banking information with anyone. Wiring money is like sending cash: the sender has no protections against loss and it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. For more information, click on the video below to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's advice to avoid online dating scams, also available here.
Protect Your Personal Information
Never give personal information, such as your social security number, credit card number or bank information, or your work or home address to people you don’t know or haven’t met in person. Your personal information is safe with us in the App.
Note: ISDOP will never send you an email or text message asking for your information. Any such communication should be reported immediately.
Be Web Wise
Block and report suspicious users. You can report concerns about any suspicious user anonymously at any time on ISDOP – while in or after a dating. Take evidence if necessary.
Report All Suspicious Behavior
Additionally, please report anyone who violates our Terms of Use.
Examples of terms of use violations include:
Ask for banking and personal information
Users sending harassing or offensive messages
Users behaving inappropriately after meeting in person
Fraudulent registration or profiles
Sell illegal products
Spam or solicitation, such as invitations to call 1-900 numbers or attempts to sell products or services.
First meetings are exciting, but always take precautions and follow these guidelines to help you stay safe:
Always Meet and Stay in Public
Meet for the first time in a populated, public place – never in a private or remote location, and never at your home or apartment. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.
Tell Your Friends and Family Members of Your Plans
Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you’re going. Make sure you have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.
Transport Yourself to and from the Meeting
You need to be independent and in control of your own transportation, especially in case things don’t work out.
Stay Sober
Consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs can impair your judgment and potentially put you in danger. It’s important to keep a clear mind and avoid anything that might place you at risk. Be aware that bad actors might try to take advantage of you by altering your beverage(s) with synthetic substances.
Be careful while traveling
We recognize and believe in the importance of being inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, but the reality is this: Not every country is safe for our LGBTQ+ community.
Check out the laws around you when you travel to a new place and research what types of legal protection, if any, are available to you based on sexual orientation.
Health
ISDOP welcomes everyone and empowers our community of users to create and cultivate relationships. An important aspect of any healthy relationship though – whether formed on ISDOP or otherwise – is ensuring proper sexual health and safety. And as a member of the ISDOP community, it is your responsibility to make sure you do the following if you choose to engage in sexual activity.
Protect Yourself
You and your partner should use proper protection. Condoms and other mechanisms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or passing on an STI, such as HIV. To be effective, however, protective measures must be used consistently. Please keep in mind, you can still get certain STIs, like herpes or HPV from contact with your partner’s skin even when using a condom.
Be Open and Honest
It is completely reasonable to have a conversation with your partner regarding sex and sexual contact before actually having it. All issues ranging from the number of partners each of you has had, to the last time each of you was tested for STIs are fair game. Many STIs are curable or treatable. If either you or your partner has an STI that is curable, you both need to start treatment to avoid becoming re-infected. It is important to be completely honest in these conversations.
Vaccinate
The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination. Talk to your doctor or a professional at a sexual health clinic to learn more.
Know Your Status
Know your status. Some STIs don't show symptoms. Regular testing is critical to staying on top of your health and helping prevent the spread of STIs. After testing, always ask for a copy of your test results so you are sure of your status. There are many free, quick and confidential testing options - find the best locations near you using Healthvana's free HIV and STD testing locator.
For Further Help, Support or Advice
If you are located out of the United States of America, please click here to find local resources.
In the case that something has happened, immediately call 911. Emergency situations include a recent threat of violence or sexual violence, a recent act of violence or sexual violence or if your health or someone else’s is in danger.
If something has happened and you’re in need of help, support or advice pertaining to physical or sexual assault, please call the below 24hr hotlines.
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE | www.rainn.org
Planned Parenthood
1-800-230-7526 | www.plannedparenthood.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | www.thehotline.org
Additionally, if you are aware of anyone who violates our terms of use please report them in the App.