Cape Girardeau woman warns dangers of dating apps

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – After a case involving a suspected serial rapist made headlines this week, many local viewers expressed concern about online dating safety. FOX 23 spoke with residents and experts who are raising awareness about sexual abuse and how to avoid becoming a victim.

The case centers around 28-year-old Yahya Maly, accused of raping at least five women he met on dating apps. Maly faces charges in St. Louis County and other locations, with detectives and prosecutors fearing there may be additional victims. The crimes reportedly occurred between March 2023 and February 2025 in St. Louis, as well as other areas including Virginia, Chicago, Arizona, and Minneapolis.

Cape Girardeau resident Ropa Nyakutya shared her concerns about the risks of meeting people online, especially through dating apps.

“Social media is the scariest place for me because anyone can make a mistake,” Nyakutya said. “And when it comes to dating, because it’s such an intimate thing, it’s even scarier. You could be building a connection with someone who’s fake.”

Nyakutya stressed the difficulty of trusting people in the digital age, pointing out how a connection with someone can last months without ever meeting in person.

“Like, you could be talking to someone for three months and never even FaceTime them. There’s always an excuse. And with AI becoming more prominent, it just gets scarier.”

Experts like Alix Gasser, Executive Director of the SEMO Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO NASV), are urging caution and support for those who experience sexual violence.

“This case is scary, but I want people to know that there are resources available for anyone who has been affected,” Gasser said. “There are two free resources right in your backyard if something like this were to happen.”

SEMO NASV serves eight counties in Missouri and partners with local organizations like the Safehouse to support survivors. Gasser emphasized the importance of non-judgmental support for victims, noting that survivors may not be ready to speak out immediately.

“Be supportive and let them disclose when they are ready,” Gasser said. “It could take days, weeks, months, or even years for them to come forward.”

SEMO NASV is just one of many organizations dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence. Safehouses and support networks are available across the country to provide assistance to those in need.

For more information on resources, individuals are encouraged to reach out to local support centers.