Sexual Violence and Physical Assault Policy

MyTruDate is committed to creating and maintaining a community that is free from all forms of Sexual and Physical Violence. This means taking a multi-pronged approach to combating violence including, running a background check on all Users and preventing those convicted of violent or sexual offenses from joining the platform and taking seriously any report of violence made to us by a member of our community.

According to the CDC, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetimes and about 1 in 3 women and nearly 1 in 6 men experience some form of sexual violence during their lifetimes. It is important to us at MyTruDate that we are part of the solution. Any violation of our Sexual and Physical Violence policy will result in removal of that account from the MyTruDate platform. This policy outlines the framework the MyTruDate team will use to make decisions on individual reports in accordance with this Policy.

Our approach is designed to gather sufficient information to facilitate taking prompt action on reports, including making reasonably informed decisions about actioning user accounts. If we receive a report with a Statement of Experience of any of the behaviors prohibited in this policy, we will examine relevant facts of the user report, all relevant information about the reported and reporting parties’ accounts, and any additional reports associated with the users involved that may aid in the ultimate resolution of the report.

We rely heavily on a Statement of Experience from the victim or survivor. The Statement of Experience should include a definitive allegation that gives the person taking the report an understanding of what happened, including, where possible, details about what happened, to whom, by whom, and when and where the events occurred. The reporting party does not need to be able recall or provide every detail of the incident, but we welcome any and all information the reporting party can provide.

We will respond and make outreach to all parties involved as needed for additional information. MyTruDate will review a variety of information in order to make the most informed decision. Relevant facts may be useful but are not necessary to remove an accused party’s access to the platform. Importantly, and per guidance from anti-violence experts, we do not require conclusivity, corroboration or “credibility” to action accounts. We never share the report with the person who is reported and we keep the identity of the affected/reporting person confidential. We strive to obtain an accurate understanding of the incident reported to us, with the understanding that it is not realistic to know exactly what happened between users, and a lack of corroborating information is not an indication that an incident did not occur. In addition, we can take action against an accused party’s account if the information gathered during our review warrants such action to best protect the safety of our users.

Unfortunately, there are instances where we may not have enough data and information to remove an individual account. For instance, if we receive a report containing a single word, such as “rape” or “assault,” and are unable to procure additional details from the reporter, it becomes difficult to effectively review the report. After reaching out to the reporting party multiple times for more information, if we fail to acquire relevant clarifying details, we will be unable to take any action related to the account. This is why it is critical for affected persons to provide as much detail as they are able and comfortable. MyTruDate recognizes that making a report of prohibited behaviors under this Policy is a heavy, emotional burden and we thank all members of our community who come forward to make it safer.

After we have reviewed all the relevant information, MyTruDate will remove any user from the app if we are able to obtain a Statement of Experience from the affected/reporting person and/or obtain relevant facts (such as in-app communications, screenshots, and/or photos or videos). MyTruDate will always use its discretion to determine the appropriate action to be taken with the safety of its users first and foremost in mind and without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, or financial impact to MyTruDate’s business.

MyTruDate will also cooperate and work closely with law enforcement when we receive a legal request for information. Reporting to law enforcement is a very personal decision and MyTruDate will not report to law enforcement on a user’s behalf unless required by law. We will, however, respond as required by law to any valid legal request.