Rishta Auntie would love to introduce you to someone and ultimately for you two to meet in person. However, there are certain recommendations that we would like to suggest for that first meetup.
Online safety
- DO NOT share personal or financial information
- Never share personal information like your credit card information, social security, address, sensitive details about your accounts. Be aware of people asking you to send them money (for whatever reason). Important things like this should not be shared with people who you have not met.
- Be sure to through Rishta Auntie until you’re ready
- Do not feel pressured to give your number to every potential user that you may come across on Rishta Auntie. Only share your phone number if/when you are comfortable, and until then get to know each other via messaging on the app.
- Report offensive behavior to Rishta Auntie
- If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, harasses or threatens you, report and block them.
- Report all offensive behavior
- Harassment, threats and offensive messages
- Requests for money and financial information
- Underage users
- Spam profiles
Please report any concerns and check out the Rishta Auntie guideline for more information.
Meeting in person
- Don’t rush
- Take your time getting to know your match and only plan to meet when you both are comfortable.
- Meet in public
- Plan to meet with in a public, populated place- not a private location like your home.
- Tell Friends/Family About Your Plans
- You’re meeting someone for the first time- be cautious and tell you friends where and when you’re going.
- Be in Control of Your Transportation
- Rishta Auntie wants you to be in control of how you get to and from your date so that you can leave whenever you want.
- Know Your Limits
- If you plan on drinking alcohol, be aware of the effects and how they can affect your judgement and alertness.
- Don’t Leave Drinks or Personal Items Unattended
- Have an abundance awareness regarding where your drink is coming from and only accept it from the server. Substances that can be slipped into drinks are known to be odorless and tasteless. Be sure to not leave your personal items like your phone and wallet unattended and with you at all times.
- If You Feel Uncomfortable, Leave
- It’s okay to end the date early if you’re feeling uncomfortable. In fact, it’s encouraged. And if your instincts are telling you something is off or you feel unsafe, ask the bartender or server for help.
Sexual Health & Consent
- Protect Yourself
- When used correctly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and passing on STI’s like HIV. But, be aware of STIs like herpes or HPV that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact. The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination.
- Know Your Status
- Not all STIs show symptoms, and you don’t want to be in the dark about your status. Stay on top of your health and prevent the spread of STIs by getting tested regularly. Here’s where you can find a clinic near you (US only).
- Talk About It
- Communication is everything: Before you get physically intimate with a partner, talk about sexual health and STI testing. And be aware — in some places, it’s actually a crime to knowingly pass on an STI. Need help starting the conversation? Here are some tips.
- Consent
- All sexual activity must start with consent and should include ongoing check-ins with your partner. Verbal communication can help you and your partner ensure that you respect each other’s boundaries. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and sex is never owed to anyone. Do not proceed if your partner seems uncomfortable or unsure, or if your partner is unable to consent due to the effects of drugs or alcohol. Read more about it here.
Resources
Resources for Help, Support, or Advice
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | online.rainn.org | www.rainn.org
Planned Parenthood
1-800-230-7526 | www.plannedparenthood.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | www.thehotline.org
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 | www.humantraffickinghotline.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
1-877-739-3895 | www.nsvrc.org
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) | www.cybertipline.com
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
1-844-878-2274 | www.cybercivilrights.org
VictimConnect – Crime Victim Resource Center
1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) | www.victimconnect.org
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
www.ic3.gov