Statement of Support to Vote Safe Connections Act Rule

For Immediate Release on October 22, 2023

Today, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) opened Every Survivor. Every Voice. Building Power Together- The 2023 National Conference on Domestic Violence in Washington, D.C. with a welcome reception featuring The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. In her remarks, the Chairwoman shared with the evenings 300 attendees her commitment to best support survivors of domestic violence and announced the Commission would vote on rules to implement key provisions of the Safe Connections Act of 2022 at its November 15th Open Meeting.

“Under her leadership, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel has been a steadfast champion for survivors and has dedicated the resources and expertise of the FCC to supporting those impacted by abuse,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “We could not be more pleased to know that implementation of the Safe Connections Act is within reach. We rely on connectivity and access to digital life more than ever and ensuring survivors have the safe connections they can depend on could be lifesaving. We commend Chairwoman Rosenworcel for her commitment to helping survivors and look forward to our work together.”

The Safe Connections Act of 2022 provides survivors of domestic violence a safer path to leave an abusive relationship without having to compromise their safety due to their phone. Survivors reaching out to The Hotline often share the devastating ways that their abusive partners use their phones to monitor, control, harass and stalk them. The Safe Connections Act allows for survivors to separate mobile phone lines for themselves and any dependents from a shared plan, offers survivors support through the FCC’s Lifeline program, and requires call logs to hide calls and texts to domestic violence hotlines.