Blumenthal Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation to Help Domestic Violence Survivors Cut Ties With Abusers, Separate From Harmful Shared Wireless Phone Plans

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of the Safe Connections Act, bipartisan legislation that will help survivors of domestic violence and other crimes cut ties with their abusers and separate from shared wireless service plans, which can be exploited to monitor, stalk, or control victims. Blumenthal was an original cosponsor of the legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

“The Senate’s passage of this important measure is a significant breakthrough for survivors of domestic violence,” said Blumenthal. “Wireless service plans can be a vital lifeline by allowing victims to communicate with family, friends, and critical support services, but shared plans often let abusers control or cut off communication. The Safe Connections Act will help protect the safety and privacy of survivors of domestic violence, and empower them to cut ties with their abusers. I’m proud to have championed this effort in the Senate and urge swift action by the House so we can save lives in Connecticut and across the country.”

The Safe Connections Act was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).

Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and human trafficking often face challenges when establishing independence from an abuser. These include financial insecurity and limited access to the communications tools essential to maintaining connections with family, social safety networks, employers, and support services. As survivors seek help and stabilize their lives, the Safe Connections Act would help them stay safe and connected by:

• Allowing survivors to separate a mobile phone line from any shared plan involving an abuser without penalties or other requirements. This includes lines of any dependents in their care;
• Requiring the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to seek comment on how to help survivors who separate from a shared plan enroll in the Lifeline Program for up to six-months as they become financially stable; and
• Requiring the FCC to establish rules that would ensure any calls or texts to hotlines do not appear on call logs.

The Safe Connections Act is supported by Access Now, the Clinic to End Tech Abuse at Cornell University, the Hawai‘i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the International Justice Mission, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Public Knowledge, RAINN, StrongHearts Helpline, Legal Momentum - the Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Center for Democracy and Technology, and Polaris.

The bill now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

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