Sussex abuse survivor urges for more protections on dating apps
The woman, speaking anonymously, faced a campaign of abuse from her online match
A Sussex woman who faced a campaign of abuse from a dating app match is urging for more protections for users.
The woman, who is remaining anonymous, was told how long she could shower, sleep and what to wear, by Lee Yates - who has since been jailed for 3 years.
She had met him online after her marriage broke down - and at first, "he came across really nice," she explained:
"He obviously asked questions, listened to the questions and was just a nice person.
"It moved on quite quickly with me giving him my number. Then he would obviously ring me, text me, WhatsApp me, wanted to meet quite quickly.
"I didn't think it was wrong because I'd been out of this for around 20 years."
She says that sharing personal information while getting to know someone can make users more vulnerable:
"That seems to be where predators find people, as often you're on dating sites because you're vulnerable.
"There's a reason you're on that dating site and they know that, because you tell them.
"I told him everything, you know, bereavements and that."
Police were alerted after Yates was seen pushing his victim in a car park.
She alleges after their break up, she saw him back on dating apps - and says there should be checks for previous convictions before signing up.
"It was quite intense messaging, phone calls, and it was perfect, but there's no such thing as perfect," she shared.
Police are urging victims of abuse to report it to police, a friend or anyone else who can support them.