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Dating Safety

Dating Safety Advice

 

While meeting new people can be thrilling, it's essential to exercise caution when engaging with unfamiliar individuals. Prioritize your safety by using sound judgment, whether you're exchanging initial messages or planning to meet face-to-face. Although you can't control the actions of others, there are proactive steps you can take to enhance your safety during your Orra experience.

 

Online Safety

 

1. Avoid Sending Money or Sharing Financial Details: Refrain from sending money, particularly via wire transfer, even if the individual cites an emergency. Sending funds via wire transfer is akin to handing over cash – reversing the transaction or tracing its path is exceedingly difficult. Additionally, never disclose information that could grant access to your financial accounts. Should another user request money from you, promptly report the incident to us. For guidance on sidestepping romance scams, consult advice from the U.S Federal Trade Commission available on the FTC website.

 

2. Safeguard Your Personal Data: Refrain from divulging personal information like your social security number, home or work address, or specifics regarding your daily schedule (e.g., frequenting a particular gym every Monday) to individuals you haven't established trust with. If you're a parent, exercise caution in sharing information about your children on your profile or during initial conversations. Avoid disclosing details such as your children's names, school locations, or ages and genders.

 

3. Remain Within Orra's Environment: Maintain your interactions exclusively within the Orra platform as you acquaint yourself with someone. Given that communications on Orra may be monitored by our Message Filters, individuals with malicious intentions frequently attempt to shift conversations to text, messaging apps, email, or phone immediately.

 

4. Exercise Caution with Long-Distance and International Connections: Exercise caution with individuals who assert to be from your country but are purportedly stranded elsewhere, particularly if they solicit financial aid to return home. Approach with caution anyone who refuses to meet in person or engage in a phone/video call—they may not be genuine. If someone evades your inquiries or rushes into a committed relationship without prior face-to-face interaction or adequate acquaintance with you, consider it a warning sign.

 

5. Report Any Suspicious or Offensive Conduct: If you perceive that someone has transgressed acceptable boundaries, please notify us. Block and report individuals who contravene our guidelines. Here are several instances of violations to be aware of:

  • Requests for money or donations

  • Underage users

  • Harassment, threats, and offensive messages

  • Inappropriate or harmful behavior during or after meeting in person

  • Fraudulent profiles

  • Spam or solicitation including links to commercial websites or attempts to sell products or services

 

Feel free to report any apprehensions regarding suspicious conduct from any profile page or messaging window. For additional details, refer to our Community Guidelines.

 

6. To safeguard your account, ensure you choose a robust password and exercise caution when logging in from a public or shared computer. Remember, Orra will never request your username and password via email. Should you receive such an email, please report it promptly.

 

Meeting in Person

  • Take your time to get to know the other person before agreeing to meet offline. Use phone or video calls as screening tools.

  • Choose populated, public places for initial meetings. Avoid private locations like homes.

  • Inform friends or family members of your plans, including your location and schedule.

  • Ensure you have control over your transportation, whether by driving yourself or arranging a backup plan like a ride-share service.

  • Understand your limits regarding alcohol and drugs. Refuse any pressure to consume beyond your comfort level.

  • Keep track of your drinks and personal belongings at all times. Accept drinks served directly from the bartender or server.

  • Trust your instincts and leave if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Seek assistance from bartenders or servers if needed.

 

When traveling as part of the LGBTQ+ community:

  • Exercise caution: While we aim for inclusivity, it's crucial to recognize that no destination is entirely free from risk, and certain countries may have laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.

  • Research local laws: Before traveling to a new location, familiarize yourself with the legal protections available based on sexual orientation. If you feel unsafe, consider disabling the "Show me on Orra" feature in your settings.

  • Privacy protection: If you've specified your sexual orientation on Orra, we'll conceal this information from your profile while you're in areas where it may pose a risk.

  • Be cautious in certain countries: Some regions have a history of law enforcement using dating apps for entrapment. Additionally, recent legislation in some countries criminalizes communication on same-sex dating platforms, potentially escalating penalties for such interactions.

  • Stay informed: Stay updated on the latest sexual orientation laws worldwide by visiting ILGA World. Consider supporting their research efforts through donations.

 

When it comes to sexual health and consent:

 

  • Safeguard yourself: Condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are effective in reducing the risk of contracting and transmitting STIs like HIV. However, be mindful of STIs such as herpes or HPV, which can spread through skin-to-skin contact. Some STIs' risk can be lessened through vaccination.

  • Know your status: Many STIs may not exhibit symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular testing to stay informed about your health status. Seek out nearby clinics for testing services (US only).

  • Open communication: Discussing sexual health and STI testing with your partner is essential before engaging in physical intimacy. Keep in mind that knowingly transmitting an STI is considered a crime in certain jurisdictions. Need help initiating this conversation? Here are some useful tips.

  • Consent is key: Consent is fundamental to any sexual activity and should involve ongoing communication and mutual agreement between partners. Verbal affirmation helps ensure that boundaries are respected. Consent can be revoked at any time, and no one is entitled to sex. Refrain from proceeding if your partner appears hesitant, uncomfortable, or incapable of consenting due to substance influence. Learn more about consent from RAINN.

  • Resources for Help, Support, or Advice

 

It's important to remember that while these guidelines can help reduce risks, they are not foolproof. If you encounter a negative situation, remember it's not your fault, and support is available. Report any incidents to Orra, and don't hesitate to reach out to the resources listed below. If you're in immediate danger or need emergency help, call 911 (U.S. or Canada) or your local law enforcement agency.

 

If you are outside the US: Additional resources from Orra in many of the countries where we operate.

 

  Information regarding international sexual orientation laws from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA).

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