Mid-Michigan (WNEM) – A recent murder in Bay City and a gruesome murder that made national headlines in 2019 are just two examples of how meeting someone online can go from thrilling to terrifying .
Loisa Gallery, a therapist with Future & Hope Counseling Services LLC, said dating apps have become especially dangerous due to a lack of vetting, and people who have ever considered using them He said he is sharing some best practices that can be addressed.
“Always pay attention to your first instinct,” Gallery said.
Good advice for people who decide to use online dating apps. Experts are urging caution when using the app after recent research found a worrying number of violent sex offenders are using it.
“For better or worse, social media and dating apps play such a big role these days. It’s hard to really know who you’re meeting,” Gallery said.
That uncertainty can lead to harrowing experiences like the recent murder of Justy Stilwell and the 2019 murder of Kevin Bacon. Police say both victims met the killer through a dating app.
“People are nervous. They want to meet someone. They don’t know how to put themselves out there all the time,” Gallery said.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Justice from 2017 to 2020 found that 14% of people who first met on a dating app ended in some form of violence, and that attacks were more violent and associated with mental illness or other vulnerabilities. The victim was the target. Men were also twice as likely to be victims of those assaults.
“Sometimes people expect dating apps to be safe, but the reality is, like anything else, there are people who are predators,” Gallery said.
She offered some seemingly common sense advice to ensure your safety.
“Definitely let other people know where you’re going and when you’re going there. Be safe and leave. Being in public is definitely the best thing to do.” ” she said.
In addition to these tips, the gallery also suggested verifying the person’s identity through a photo and possibly making a video call to meet the person, but most importantly, always ask a friend or loved one Keep them informed of your plans.
Mr Stillwell would have celebrated his birthday on Monday, October 7th. The suspect who killed Stilwell remains in jail on $1 million bail.
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