A verdict in a recent sexual assault trial that garnered national media attention brings to light the question of how singles can protect themselves while using dating apps.
On Aug. 8, a jury convicted Dr. Stephen Matthews of 35 charges related to sexual assault and second-degree assault. The Denver cardiologist was accused of drugging 11 women and sexually assaulting nine of them from 2019 to 2023.
The women who faced Matthews in court said they met the doctor on dating apps, including Hinge and Tinder. They said they had drinks at Matthews’ home but had no memories of what happened next. After one victim came forward in 2023 to allege an assault, nine more followed, reporting being drugged and, in several cases, assaulted by Matthews.
In his criminal trial, Matthews pled not guilty to all 38 counts against him, and was found guilty on 35 of those counts. His sentencing is set for Oct. 25, 2024.
“In being willing to come forward to talk about their personal experiences, the combined voices of multiple victims show an incredible act of bravery,” said Stephen Burg, Personal Injury Practice Leader at Burg Simpson.
Stephen Burg is the lead atty representing numerous survivors in an accompanying civil case against Matthews and the dating apps he used to meet women. He weighs in on the case and how to stay safe while using a dating app. (include link to SJB Law & Crime podcast)
What is Burg Simpson’s Role?
Burg Simpson’s dedicated, experienced lawyers represent numerous Matthews’ survivors in the civil action against the doctor and dating apps.
A defendant in a criminal sexual assault case can also face civil liability for the damages caused to survivors. Beyond Matthews’ role in these assaults, the dating app companies involved may also be liable in this case.
Technology companies that fail to protect their users and neglect to act on reports of sexual assault, rape or harassment can face legal penalties like negligence suits, breach of contract claims, and consumer protection violations, Burg said.
Stephen Burg added that he is committed to holding sexual assault facilitators — including corporations and institutions — accountable for their negligence and inaction. Burg Simpson’s lawyers bring a track record of sensitivity and results to sexual assault, abuse, and harassment claims, he said.
How Did the Dating App Companies Play a Role?
Burg Simpson’s investigations have revealed that Match Group, the parent company of Hinge, Tinder, and other dating sites, did not remove Matthews from their apps even after users began reporting they had experienced rape, sexual abuse and assault at his hands. They promised to remove Matthews but ultimately left him on their apps for years after these reports.
Stephen Burg said he believes that Match Group could have entirely prevented further rapes, sexual assaults had they taken proper steps to remove Matthews from their apps after initial complaints.
Matthews’ case is not the first case of dating app-facilitated sexual violence — the issue spans apps, states, years, and countries. One study finds that sexual assaults perpetrated via dating apps tend to be more violent than other assaults.
At the same time, apps are not keeping up with the issue. Stephen Burg said that while Match Group teamed up with another company to offer two free background checks to Tinder users, that partnership was severed in 2023. Even if a dating app provides background checks for users, Burg noted that the measure catches just a handful of predators who already have a legal record. That resource cannot be the only protection for users given that less than ⅓ of assaults are reported to police, he said.
Tech companies often show what Burg called, “an alarmingly lax attitude” toward their users’ privacy and safety. He said that it is possible for those corporations to create a safer user environment by mandating background checks, strengthening ID verification, performing proactive moderation, doing what they promise users and educating their users.
How Can I Stay Safe on the Apps?
The best way to stay safe is to force change among the dating apps. The apps need to know that safety is your top priority, Burg said. Only use apps that provide background checks, that respond to user reports of rape, sexual assault or other violence. Use apps that prioritize safety.
“We are fighting to make sure no serial rapist can do what Matthews did,” said Burg. While Stephen Burg said he intends to hold dating apps accountable for their lack of user protections, there are some measures you can take to do your own screening and stay cautious.
● Research the apps – Find reviews about the apps and which one’s care about safety.
● Secure your account – Start by using strong passwords and privacy settings on the apps you use.
● Take time before meeting – Before you go out with someone in person, conduct your own research and set up video calls to get to know them. You can usually do your own screening by searching someone’s name on social media or on Colorado’s court record sites.
● Trust your gut – Meet your match in a public place and let a trusted loved one know where you will be. If things feel off, rely on your instincts and take the appropriate actions to get out of the situation.
● Report your experience – If you do have a negative or unlawful interaction with someone you meet on an app, report that user to the app and block their profile.
How Can I Seek Justice?
If the stories from the Matthews trial feel tragically familiar, know that you are not alone.
If you are able, it’s essential to get the legal system involved and seek accountability from the perpetrator and the dating app company involved. You can consult with a personal injury attorney to navigate the process.
“Tech companies have large and powerful legal divisions,” Burg said. “A common tactic is to try to claim that the website or app is not responsible for the actions of individual users. It falls on survivors to expose dating app predators and, with the help of experienced attorneys, hold the companies to account for putting customers in danger.”
If you have further knowledge of the Matthews case, contact Burg Simpson for a free and confidential case evaluation or call them at (303) 792-5595 today.
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this post’s preparation.