Online Dating Sex Attacks Staying Steady Despite Pandemic
The National Crime Agency’s Serious Crime Analysis Section (SCAS) has dropped fresh figures on sexual assaults linked to online dating apps. The latest data covers 671 cases reported between April 2003 and March 2021 – updating a 2016 report that reviewed 163 cases.
More Young Victims, Slight Rise in Male Reports
While overall offences have stayed pretty stable since 2015, there’s been a worrying rise in victims aged 19 and under. Female victims in this age group jumped from 12% to 22%, and male victims climbed from 25% to 31%. Still, the biggest chunk of victims – 40% – are in their 20s.
Of the 671 cases, 83% were female victims, with male victims making up 17% – a 2% increase from before.
SCAS Warns: Victims Aren’t to Blame
Louise Vesely-Shore, Principal Analyst at the NCA’s SCAS, said: “Although there hasn’t been an overall increase since 2016, these crimes carried on during pandemic lockdowns despite huge restrictions. A sexual assault victim is never at fault, no matter the circumstances. We want victims to feel confident to report these attacks to the police.”
BBC Finds Dating Apps Are Far From Safe
The NCA released its findings alongside BBC research for the documentary ‘Dating’s Dangerous Secrets’. It revealed:
- 37% of dating app users have reported someone for inappropriate behaviour
- 63% have felt uncomfortable on a date arranged via apps
- 33% experienced harassment or abuse during these dates
Louise added: “Anyone dating online should understand the risks to make safer choices. We want people to protect themselves and deter offenders.”
Pandemic Impact: Online Dating Offences Less Affected
Despite a drop in many crime types during the pandemic, offences linked to online dating barely dipped. In 2020/21, SCAS examined nearly 10 times more online dating sex assault cases than bogus taxi driver offences.
The NCA is now teaming up with Birmingham University to study the pandemic’s effect on stranger sexual assaults further.
