Singles in need of a discreet escape on a night out can now seek assistance at any licensed premises across the city, following the launch of the “Ask for Angela” initiative on Friday. 

It comes after the harrowing assault of NSW woman Angela Jay last November and the tragic death of Warriena Wright in 2014. Both young women were on Tinder dates that turned into nightmares.

A 20-year-old Griffith woman told The Daily Advertiser of her own terrifying experience, where she had been locked in her Tinder date’s car and was almost coerced into performing sexual acts before the 24-year-old man let her go. 

Women and men – “though predominantly women” – seeking help on a date in Wagga, can now ask for Angela at any bar, club or pub and find instant refuge. 

Wagga police acting inspector Nigel Turney said the city was taking preemptive steps to prevent tinder-related tragedies from occurring in Wagga.  

According to an eHarmony study, more than a quarter of singles across the state use digital dating platforms.

Inspector Turney said with more young residents using Tinder and the city’s population continuing to grow, it was only a matter of time before someone was hurt. 

“So it’s not a case of if,” Inspector Turney said. 

“It’s a case of when.”

Racing Minister Paul Toole said the Wagga Liquor Accord (WLA) the first of 145 across the state, to roll out the internationally recognised campaign. 

“(Ask for Angela) confronts an emerging issue and provides a unique community solution to … increase safety in venues,” Mr Toole said. 

“Wagga is leading the way.”

Wagga MP Daryl Maguire said dating posed a far-greater risk to residents following the birth of the internet and social media.

It is hard to identify someone’s personality when you’re meeting them online,” Mr Maguire said.

“I encourage men and women to meet in public places and spaces with others around.”

Mr Maguire said the Ask for Angela initiative was a great way to make sure patrons “went home feeling safe”.

Wagga bouncer Oliver Hoffman, owner of Olives Security, said the campaign would provide “reassurance” and an “opportunity for help” that hadn’t been there before. 

Australian Hotels Association NSW director of liquor and policing John Green praised the city’s licensees for working together and agreeing to take AHA sponsored initiative. on board to protect patrons.