Update 23 October ACON has been advised that a number of recent assaults have allegedly been perpetrated by groups of young men and teenagers , who, after connecting with people on hookup apps quickly move to less traceable apps , and then organise to meet up in isolated areas like parks.
Please read below for safety tips and additional resources. Meeting up with new people for casual or NSA no strings attached sex can be really fun and exciting! It can also, sadly, be dangerous too. Here are some ways to err on the safe side when meeting a stranger from online or at a beat a location, often outdoors and public, where queer people cruise and meet for sex.
If the interaction feels rushed, confusing or even volatile and aggressive β disengage, diffuse or block immediately. Do the same for IRL conversations. Trust your gut, you may have just dodged a bullet.
If you want to go home with someone you meet at a beat or venue , talk first to see if you feel safe with them. I personally also assess image backgrounds and can clock non-Aussie housing fixtures or flora and fauna β this may sound excessive, but can make all the difference! Some phones even have just straight-up Location Sharing β WhatsApp and Facebook too β where a trusted third party can track your whereabouts. Both for the above note and for if you need to make any emergency calls.
Consider investing in a good-quality phone charger to keep in your pocket or bag. Take stock of nearby landmarks and emergency services like hospitals or police stations. Consider opting to meet in places like saunas or adult cinemas, where there are staff on site to help. For if you need to run or shift locations. Avoid heavy and restrictive clothing like coats, and avoid bulky bags and large items.
