Yeah, I think it's easy to feel some kind of harassment. But:

- Notice that, at this moment, most people that answered this message, we are men. Not sure if this is a problem.

- I have three active partners, all of them women, since more than three years ago. Not problem at all.

- You look young and beautiful. So, you are the perfect target for stupid men. Sorry, that's real. My advice is not to hide you. You have no reason to be afraid. Simply block all of them that are irrespectful. Ignore all message containing a simple "Hi" or "I want to be friends on Italki". Review their profiles and activity, and how long they had been on Italki. The score is a good way to know who is an old member, more or less active in the community.

I think the rules are here the same as in the real world: lots of empty-head males full of hormones, and a bunch of idiots. But you will find some valuable people which aim is genuine, willing to learn and help. Respectful people that can be good partners and friends. Don't give up, and enjoy the community.

A friend told me that she had the same problem. She had a really bad experience with a partner. He was always trying to flirt with her. 

I've never experienced something like that but I think it is because I'm a man. I didn't know about this problem until my friend told me. It's a shame.

I think that the best way to know if someone is trustworthy is see if the user has points for helping people and if he is premium.