Safety Tips

Meeting Up with a Match

Meeting new people is exciting, and that is the point of using June Dating! But just like when you meet strangers in the normal course of your life, you should always be cautious when interacting with someone you don’t know. Use your best judgment and put your safety first. While you can’t control the actions of others, there are things you can do to help you stay safe during your June Dating experience.

Don’t Be In A Rush

After matching, take your time and get to know the other person before agreeing to meet them in a private setting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions that will help you screen for any red flags or personal dealbreakers.

Meet in Public and Stay in Public

Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place — never at your home, your date’s home, or any other private location. If your date pressures you to go to a private location, end the date.

Tell Friends and Family About Your Plans

Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including when and where you’re going. Have your cell phone charged and with you at all times. If your phone has a "find my friend" or similar feature, share your location with your friend or family member so they can make sure you get home safe and sound!

Be in Control of Your Transportation

Be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want. If you’re driving yourself, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan such as a ride-share app or a friend to pick you up.

Know Your Limits

Be aware of the effects of drugs or alcohol on you specifically — they can impair your judgment and your alertness. If your date tries to pressure you to use drugs or drink more than you’re comfortable with, hold your ground and end the date.

Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended

Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times — only accept drinks poured or served directly from the bartender or server. Many substances that are slipped into drinks to facilitate sexual assault are odorless, colorless, and tasteless. Also, keep your phone, purse, wallet, and anything containing personal information on you at all times.

If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave

It’s okay to end the date early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help. Trust your gut!

Protect Your Personal Information

Never share personal information, such as your social security number, home or work address, or details about your daily routine (e.g., that you go to a certain gym every Monday) with people you don’t know. If you are a parent, limit the information that you share about your children. Avoid sharing details such as your children’s names, where they go to school, or their ages or genders.

Never Send Money or Share Financial Information

Never send money, especially over wire transfer, even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash — it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace where the money went. Never share information that could be used to access your financial accounts. If another user asks you for money, report it to us immediately.

Report All Suspicious and Offensive Behavior

You know when someone has crossed the line and, if that happens, we want to know about it. Report anyone that violates our terms or community guidelines. Here are some examples of violations:

  • Requests for money or donations
  • Underage users
  • Harassment, threats, and offensive messages
  • Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person
  • Fraudulent personas
  • Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

You can report any concerns about suspicious behavior by emailing [email protected].

Sexual Health & Consent

Protect Yourself

When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like HSV-1 and -2 or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination. But as you probably guessed, we’re not doctors! To learn more about these risks and how to prevent them, talk to your healthcare provider.

Know Your Status

Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. To find a clinic near you (US only), see the following CDC Resource.

Talk About It

Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware — in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? See the following resource dicussing how to disclose your status and why it’s important.

Consent

All sexual activity must start with enthusiastic consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable, unsure, or is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. To read more about consent, why it’s so important, and how to ask for consent, see this guide from RAINN.

Cyber Crime

Romance Scams

A romance scam is when a scammer attempts to strike up a relationship with someone to build up trust, sometimes talking or chatting several times a day. They then try to exploit the trust they’ve built by making up a story and asking for money.

For tips on avoiding romance scams, check out the advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission on the FTC website.

Domestic and International Travel

LGBTQ+ Travel

We recognize and believe in the importance of being inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, but the reality is this: nowhere in the world is without potential risk, and some areas unfortunately have negative attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people. Be careful while traveling. Understand local sentiments and research what types of legal protection, if any, are available to you based on sexual orientation.

Resources

Additional Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

Remember — even if you follow these tips, no method of risk reduction is perfect. If you have a negative experience, please know that it is not your fault and help is available. If you feel you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.