Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of online predatory grooming, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.
What happens when the search for love on a dating app turns into a dangerous trap? How do predators use technology to exploit vulnerabilities, isolate victims, and avoid accountability??
In today’s episode, Lisa welcomes Jane Doe, an artist, tech professional, and survivor, to share her harrowing experience of meeting a predator through a dating app designed for professionals. What started as a promising match quickly spiraled into a nightmare of love bombing, coercion, and violence—exposing the hidden dangers lurking behind the search for connection.
Jane and Lisa unpack the dark reality of online dating, revealing how traffickers, abusers, and serial predators use these platforms to operate in plain sight. They also discuss the systemic failures that allow this exploitation to continue and what can be done to hold both predators and dating apps accountable.
This episode is a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers behind the search for connection and a call to action to create safer spaces online and off.
Stay tuned for part two of our conversation with Jane Doe as she shares what happens next when she gets back on the app.
Below are some resources Jane Doe recommends:
National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) – a nonprofit defending human dignity. Opposing sexual exploitation. Leading the movement through research, litigation, corporate and legislative policy. You can follow them @endexploitation on Instagram.
Rights4Girls advocates for the dignity and rights of young women and girls so that every girl can be safe and live a life free of violence and exploitation. You can follow them @rights4girls on Instagram.
Follow Lisa Phillips @iamlisaphillips on Instagram.
From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:
- If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
- If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
- PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
- Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.