Tinder: Dating app sex assault victim urges others to seek immediate help

Tinder: Dating app sex assault victim urges others to seek immediate help

A survivor of sexual assault, who met her abuser on a dating app, is urging others to seek immediate help in order to document the abuse. The incident occurred while the woman was a 20-year-old student in Belfast, where she had recently moved for university. The perpetrator, Fearghall Joseph Mulgrew, was sentenced to 22 months in jail after pleading guilty to the assault.

The victim, known as Sophie to protect her identity, emphasized the importance of visiting a sexual assault referral center following the assault. Despite initially hesitating to report the incident to the police, Sophie eventually sought justice with the crucial evidence collected at the referral center. Mulgrew, who had met the woman on Tinder, forced her into non-consensual sexual acts which led to his conviction.

Reflecting on her traumatic experience, Sophie described the harrowing encounter with her abuser and the struggle to stop the assault. She emphasized the significance of reporting incidents promptly and seeking medical assistance to secure evidence for future legal proceedings. Sophie’s bravery in coming forward highlights the ordeal faced by many survivors of sexual violence.

In response to the prevalence of violence against women and girls, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has implemented initiatives to address the issue. With a focus on prevention and accountability, the PSNI has made thousands of arrests under new legislation aimed at combating various forms of gender-based violence. The commitment to creating safer spaces for women and girls requires a collective effort from communities, law enforcement, and society at large

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More