Cell phones have become a key part of everyday life for most people. They help us do our jobs, keep in touch with loved ones, and quickly find information we might need. However, the convenience and connectivity that modern cell phones provide can sadly also be exploited by domestic abusers, enabling them to monitor, track, and control their partner from afar.
If a survivor is planning to leave their abuser, this creates a unique sort of challenge. The survivor might know they’re being monitored through their cell phone, but they can’t simply get rid of it since they might need it for work or other responsibilities. Thankfully, the Safe Connections Act provides a way for survivors to remove either themselves or their abuser from a cell phone provider plan.
What Is the Safe Connections Act?
The Safe Connections Act, which was first adopted in 2022, is a federal law requiring all wireless cell phone companies to provide a means for survivors of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence to separate from a shared wireless plan. The stipulations of the law also allow the survivor to keep their cell phone and existing phone number.
Here are the three key points of the Safe Connections Act, as provided by the CTIA wireless industry advocacy group:
- Separation from Shared Plans: Survivors can separate their line from a shared family plan, avoiding the need for permission from the account holder, who may be their abusive partner. This empowers them to take control of their communications without compromising their safety, and while minimizing financial burdens.
- Maintaining Phone Numbers: The Safe Connections Act helps survivors retain their existing number, reducing the risk of losing touch with essential resources and support networks.
- Privacy and Safety: The act mandates that wireless providers implement measures to protect the privacy and safety of survivors. This includes keeping their new contact information confidential and preventing abusers from accessing their communications.
As is noted in this ‘Understanding the Safe Connections Act’ document from AT&T, a line separation request that’s submitted with all proper documentation must be completed by the wireless provider within two business days. Also, the phone plan account holder won’t be notified until after the line separation has been completed. Both of these measures help to further protect survivors who submit a line separation request.
What Does a Survivor Need to Make a Line Separation Request?
A survivor submitting a line separation request must provide one of the following pieces of documentation proving that they experienced domestic violence:
- A copy of a signed affidavit from a licensed medical or mental health provider, licensed social worker, victim services provider, or employee of the court.
- A copy of a police report, statements provided by the police or judges, charging documents, restraining orders (including military protection orders), or any other official record documenting the covered acts.
In most cases, the survivor is also expected to assume financial responsibility if they attach their cell phone and service to a new wireless account. However, the Safe Connections Act’s Lifeline Program can offer financial assistance to survivors who might struggle to pay for the service on their own.
How Can a Survivor Initiate a Line Separation Request?
Different wireless providers have their own processes for initiating a line separation request. This helpful article from the National Domestic Violence Hotline includes a list of all major wireless providers along with links to their respective line separation request webpages.
As the NDVH article also explains, support teams for every major wireless service provider are specifically trained to handle DV-related line separation requests:
“All nationwide wireless providers have dedicated support teams trained to handle line separation requests. Customer service representatives can help survivors navigate the process of separating their lines, maintaining their phone number, and accessing additional support as needed.”
If you or someone you know needs help with a phone line separation request, or any other issue relating to domestic violence, please don’t hesitate to call REACH’s 24/7 emergency hotline at 800-899-4000. Survivors shouldn’t have to give up the independence a cell phone affords them if they choose to leave their abuser, and the Safe Connections Act ensures they don’t have to.
