Dating apps have revolutionized how people meet. Unfortunately, while they connect singles, they also carry risks. When a date ends in sexual assault, victims often wonder where to turn. These options can help you determine which path is right for you.
Criminal Charges vs. Civil Claims
You have two main options for pursuing justice:
- Criminal prosecution: You can report the assault to Illinois law enforcement. If convicted, the assailant faces potential imprisonment and other serious consequences. However, there’s no guarantee that the state will press charges or succeed in convicting your assailant.
- Civil lawsuit: You can independently pursue a civil case against the person who assaulted you. You may also have a claim against the dating app company.
Victims can bring a civil suit even if no criminal charges were filed. In other words, you don’t have to depend on a criminal conviction to recover compensation.
Civil Suits Against the Attacker
In a civil suit, the perpetrator is almost always the first target. Depending on the facts of your case, you will likely sue for intentional torts such as assault, battery, or sexual battery.
You need enough evidence to show the attack actually happened. Common evidence includes:
- Your own testimony
- Witness testimony
- Medical records documenting treatment or injuries
- Police reports or 911 transcripts
- Digital evidence like text messages, app conversations, and location logs
- Expert opinions, including psychological evaluations
Illinois generally gives you up to two years after the assault date to file a personal injury or sexual assault claim.
Dating App Company Liability
Many victims assume they can’t sue the dating app company. Dating apps are often shielded from liability under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. However, you may have options. Dating apps have a duty to act reasonably to protect users. If a dating app knew or should have known a user was a dangerous predator, did nothing to prevent further harm, and their inaction led to your assault, then you may have a valid negligence claim.
Many dating apps promise “safety tools,” bans on offenders, or background checks. If they make such promises in their Terms of Service or advertising and fail to deliver, you may pursue breach of contract or misrepresentation claims. But it’s a high bar. You will need proof the app actively misled you or failed to perform what it promised.
Finally, if the app uses deceptive practices—such as claiming to screen users when they don’t—you might have a claim under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Potential Civil Damages
A successful civil claim often results in financial compensation. These damages are intended to address your immediate losses as well as the long-term impact on your life.
Economic damages compensate for any financial costs you’ve incurred as a direct result of the assault. This includes medical expenses like emergency care, ongoing treatment, therapy, and prescription medications. If the assault has affected your ability to work, you may also be entitled to recover lost wages and compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Non-economic damages make up for emotional and psychological fallout. Survivors frequently suffer from intense emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may also recover damages for your overall loss of enjoyment of life—how the assault has disrupted your ability to engage in daily activities, maintain relationships, and find pleasure in things you once loved.
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for reckless or malicious behavior—and to deter similar conduct in the future. In a dating app-related case, punitive damages can be awarded if a company knowingly allowed a dangerous person to remain on the platform despite repeated abuse reports or if it misrepresented safety measures that could have prevented your assault.
Compensation through civil court can’t undo the trauma, but it can give access to the support and treatment you need.
Consult a Sexual Abuse Attorney Today
If you were assaulted after a dating app date, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Contact Hale & Monico today to learn more about your options.