ODDA Launches New Tool to Prevent Convicted Sex Offenders From Accessing Online Dating and Social Discovery Services

To recognise International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November and the 16 days of action that follow, the ODDA has launched a new tool to prevent convicted sex offenders from accessing online dating and social discovery services.

From today, users will be able to report convicted sex offenders through a form on the ODDA website. The form allows users to upload Court judgements, news articles and other publicly available information which will then be shared with our members to remove or block the individuals from their services. The form will also be used by staff at the UKs Ministry of Justice including Probation Officers and Court Officials and will be sent out to staff in a guidance note later this month.

The ODDAs Simon Newman says:

“The ODDA and its members have been absolutely clear that the safety of women and girls is our number one priority. This form follows several months of discussion with the Ministry of Justice and demonstrates our firm commitment to preventing convicted sex offenders from accessing online dating and social discovery services.”

The form can be found in the consumer section of the ODDA website here: https://theodda.org/for-consumers/report-a-convicted-sex-offender/