I have recently left a relationship with someone I met on Tinder, unaware of the amount of domestic abuse charges against him. It was only after enduring multiple incidents which range from ABH to controlling and coercive behaviour, that I finally went to the police. He is currently in remand awaiting his court date to enter a plea. There was also a previous incident of C&C behaviour in which he pleaded guilty. This traumatic experience has made me realize the lurking dangers on dating platforms, and that I'm not alone in this plight. Many women and men have unknowingly engaged with individuals who have a history of domestic abuse/violence, resulting in harmful, and often dangerous, encounters.

The lack of background checks on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and others puts countless women and men at risk. According to the American Journal of Public Health, about 25% of women experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetimes. With such alarming statistics, it is crucial to implement safeguards to prevent further harm.

A practical solution is to ban all men and women with domestic abuse charges from using dating apps. By doing this, platforms can significantly reduce the risk of violence against women and men, creating a safer environment for everyone. This measure would also encourage a culture of accountability among offenders, who often hide under anonymity or altered profiles.

Dating platforms have the technology and resources to vet users appropriately. Steps such as mandatory ID verification and real-time checks against public criminal records can be implemented effectively. With over 40 million users in the U.S. alone, dating app companies hold a responsibility to protect their members from potential threats.

We need to call on these companies to take action and prioritize the safety of their users. I urge you to sign this petition to advocate for the immediate banning of men and women charged with domestic abuse offenses from all dating apps. Together, we can push for a safer community for women and men everywhere. Please join me in making this change a reality by signing the petition today.