Dating Game Plan

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A Winning Matchup: You + A Daring Game Plan

Know these safety tips and fully experience everything Phoenix has to offer. Confidently explore the sites and new connections too!


✔️ Verify your new date’s identity.

B​efore you meet your date, know who you are talking to. Use video chat, do an online search before agreeing to meet and use tools like Garbo.  

✔️ Choose a familiar or well-reviewed and public location to meet.

​Meet for the first few times in a populated, public place. If your date pressures you to go somewhere private, end the date and report the person through the app you met them on. 

Let a trusted friend or family member know where you are going and who you are meeting with. 

Arrive at the location early to let a server or bartender know you’re meeting someone for the first time so that they can have your back.

✔️ Have a way there and back.

Be in control of your own transportation. As a backup, use a ride-share app.

✔️ Keep an eye on your drink and other personal belongings.

Know where your drink comes from and know where it is at all times. Keep personal items with you.

✔️ Good vibes only. 

You deserve someone who respects you and gives you good vibes only. 

✔️ Report any and all bad behavior, both online and IRL. 

If something is off, report the person to local law enforcement or through the app you met the person on. If it is an emergency, get to a safe place and call 9-1-1. 

Keep all digital and physical evidence. Take screenshots of your conversations with your date before blocking the person and erasing the conversation history. 

Report the incident as soon as you can and seek support. You do not have to go through it alone. 

Not sure if something is off? Here’s a quick test:

🚩 Is the person acting the same or do they seem like a completely different person from your messages? 

🚩 Did they cross or try to cross a boundary?  

Love is respect, nothing less.

Download Safety Tips (PDF)​

Illustration of a heart-shaped arch

Graphic by Tom Velez


Survivor Resources

If you have experienced dating violence, sexual assault, or exploitation, you are not alone and there are resources available to you. The hotlines listed below are available 24/7 and are confidential, with trained staff that can speak multiple languages.

You can also call the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Helpline (602-279-2900) to learn about victim service programs and resources statewide. Download statewide resources (PDF) while local support is also available at the Phoenix Family Advocacy Center. Its staff of trauma-informed detectives, advocates, and nurses are ready to assist you on your path to justice in a safe, comfortable environment.​


Sex Trafficking and the Superbowl

Should you worry about Human Trafficking and the Super Bowl?

There are a lot of myths circulating about human trafficking and the Super Bowl. The more you know as a consumer and Super Bowl fan, the faster we can end human trafficking. Here are more ways you can help:


This page was created in partnership with leading safety experts, NGOs, law enforcement, and Match Group to put your safety first. 

RAINN - The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline - Provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence so they can live their lives free of abuse. The Hotline provides free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services. 

Polaris - Operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline and has helped hold countless traffickers accountable. Built the largest known U.S. data set on actual trafficking experiences.

Match Group​ - Pioneered online dating, hundreds of millions of members of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds have used their apps to form meaningful connections. Match Group is committed to making dating safer and more enjoyable.  

Phoenix Police Department​ - The City of Phoenix has a Family Advocacy Center where specialized Phoenix Police detectives work side-by-side with Victim Advocates, our own Crime Lab, and forensic nurse examiners to provide a safe, comfortable environment to report sex assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. Phoenix promotes th​​e “Let's Talk Teal​” sexual assault awareness campaign as well as “Paint Phoenix Purple​”​ for domestic violence awareness.​​​​​​​