Another problem is that people just don't use the existing review system as intended. This entire story is hugely extreme, but over the years I've heard plenty

Another problem is that people just don't use the existing review system as intended. This entire story is hugely extreme, but over the years I've heard plenty of stories that clearly crossed boundaries. For example (all from different people): "I arrived and we chatted and had a great time; everything was going brilliant. Suddenly he started kissing and touching me; when I hesitated it became more forceful and said 'I know you want to fuck'. I ran away and staid at a hostel." "During the night he suddenly put his hand on my breast. I asked him what the fuck he was doing. He removed his hand and nothing more happened." "When I arrived I was surprised that we had to share the same bed; that was a complete surprise. During the night he was far too close; nothing happened, but it was very scary." When I asked "did you report him" none of them did. People usually aren't sure why they didn't either. And these are just a few examples; ask any woman who has been couchsurfing for a while and they'll have at least one story to tell. Some men, too. Even though I think a small minority of people are responsible for these actions, these kind of stories aren't rare exceptions. There's no realistic fear or repercussions here, so that can't be the main reason. I think it's always a complex dynamic, even without outright manipulation. You're always grateful you were allowed to stay at someone's house for free, so even after the fact there's a complex mix of emotions. Designing a good review system around this is pretty hard, although I have no doubt couchsurfing's system can be improved (insert long rant about mismanagement at couchsurfing). Most women still loved couchsurfing by the way! I met all of them on the platform after all. I don't want to discourage anyone from using couchsurfing, but at the same time you do need to have a bit of a backbone.