The study examines factors associated with dating app facilitated sexual violence (DAFSV) among a large sample of dating app users in Australia. The study was conducted in the context of the rising popularity of online dating platforms and growing concerns about associated risks of sexual violence. It aimed to investigate risk factors for DAFSV victimisation through the lens of routine activity theory, focusing on online behaviours that could increase users' vulnerability. 

It found that online dating platforms facilitate a high prevalence of sexual harassment, aggression and violence. Specific online dating behaviours such as frequent platform use, using multiple platforms, and sharing personal information, were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing DAFSV, particularly in-person. 

Respondents were more likely to experience in-person DAFSV if they:

• used more than one platform at the same time (43% vs 33%);
• paid to use a dating platform (44% vs 37%);
• primarily used an app rather than a website (40% vs 37%);
• linked social media accounts to their dating platform account (45% vs 33%);
• did not include information about interests on their dating profile (44% vs 39%); or
• shared sexual or relationship preference information on their dating profile (41% vs 37%).

Recommendations

• Online dating platforms should embed Safety by Design principles in their development and improvement processes. 
• Ensure reporting mechanisms within apps allow users to report problematic interactions in a timely and convenient way. 
• Online dating platforms should not only innovate safety features but also communicate those effectively make them easily accessible to users.