There are lots of ways you can meet other people for sex. These include parties, pubs, clubs and online. All of these can be fun but there are a few things you can do to make sure you only get what you are looking for.

If you meet someone at a party, pub or club:

• Introduce them to a friend or acquaintance
• If you leave with them, text their name and address to a friend
• Let them think someone else may be staying with you
• Have your own transport or cab fare so you aren’t dependent upon them
• Always trust your instincts - if something doesn’t feel right, leave

When online:

• Have good internet security or manage your online identity and presence. This is about proactively managing an online presence and minimising danger
• Keep records of interactions, messages, incidences (screen dumps, copy IP addresses, keep a web diary or information in more than one place) including dates, times, what was said, what happened
• Always trust your instincts - if something doesn’t feel right, you are probably right. Do not engage or disengage.
• Treat people online as you would in person
• Online information can be used to aid physical harassment - be wary about what information you provide online and use pseudonyms (an online name). Remain as anonymous as possible and avoid giving out personal information
• Be cautious about including mobile phone numbers or where you post real life photos

If an online relationship extends offline

• Consider meeting in a public place
• Text, e-mail or tell a friend where you are going and check in with them afterwards
• Consider providing your friend with the name, address and mobile number of the person you plan to meet
• Leave a note with the address of where you are going or any other details
• If they come to your place, you could let them think someone else may be staying with you
• If you go to their place, always trust your instincts and leave immediately if it doesn’t feel right
• Have your own transport or cab fare
• Exercise caution before being restrained by a partner you don't know well or have not met before
• It is extremely important to report all incidents of assault or theft to the Police immediately. If an incident does occur, people should report that incident to the police straight away, as well as report the profile of the perpetrator to the website’s management.
  

More info

Contact: ACON's Lesbian and Gay Anti-Violence Project

Tel: (AVP Report-Line) (02) 9206 2116
Free call: 1800 063 060

E-mail: avp@acon.org.au