FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel Unveils 'Safe Connections' for Domestic Violence Survivors

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced at the National Conference on Domestic Violence that she will be sharing with her colleagues an Order that would help domestic violence survivors access safe and affordable connectivity. The proposed rules would implement key provisions in the Safe Connections Act of 2022 to support survivors of domestic abuse and other related crimes seeking to maintain critical connections with friends, family, and support networks. If adopted at the FCC's November 15, 2023 open meeting, the Order would:

• Help survivors by requiring providers to separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account;
• Protect the privacy of survivors by requiring providers to block records of calls or text messages to hotlines and other support services for survivors of domestic violence, and;
• Provide support for survivors who suffer from financial hardship through the FCC’s Lifeline program.