Dating safety

Dating safety resources

Taking the pledge is one layer of safety. These organizations offer free, confidential support — before a date, after one, or any time you need someone.

If you are in immediate danger

Call 911, or your local emergency number if you are outside the United States. Your safety comes first — everything else can wait.

Free, confidential support

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Support, safety planning, and referrals for anyone experiencing abuse or coercive control.

Call 1-800-799-7233 · Text START to 88788

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline

Confidential support from trained staff, plus online chat and local service referrals.

Call 1-800-656-4673

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis, day or night.

Call or text 988

Crisis Text Line

Text-based support with a trained crisis counselor, if talking on the phone feels like too much.

Text HOME to 741741

These services are United States based. If you are elsewhere, your local equivalent may differ.

Before you meet

Ask for a background check before the first date. A shared standard is easier than a personal request.

Video chat first. It confirms the person matches their photos before you spend an evening with them.

Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home, and share your live location.

Meet somewhere public and arrange your own transport there and back.

During and after

Trust your instincts. Leaving early needs no excuse and no apology.

Keep your drink with you, and keep your phone charged.

If something happened, it was not your fault. The lines above can help you decide what to do next, at your pace.