(Washington D.C.) Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) introduced the Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at protecting survivors of intimate partner violence from technology-enabled abuse. The legislation is co-led in the House by Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and in the Senate by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR).
“In the Iowa statehouse, I led efforts to protect survivors from the growing threat of digital abuse. Now, we’re taking that work nationwide,” said Rep. Nunn. “This bill strengthens community-based networks that are on the frontlines, giving them the tools to recognize and address tech-enabled abuse and help victims secure their devices. Survivors deserve both safety and support, and this legislation delivers both.”
As the use of digital devices and social media grows, perpetrators of abuse have increasingly exploited these platforms to stalk, monitor, and intimidate survivors. According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center, 80% of stalking victims report being targeted via technology, including social media. In addition, a 2021 study found that 97% of victim support organizations report technology is being used as a tool for abuse.
The Tech Safety for Victims Act addresses this by:
-Authorizing a pilot program through the Office on Violence Against Women to establish up to 15 tech-enabled abuse response clinics.
-Launching a $20 million grant program to train nonprofits and academic institutions on identifying and responding to technology-facilitated abuse.
-Supporting collaboration between tech experts and domestic violence service providers.
“It’s critical that we recognize domestic abuse and sexual harassment often extend beyond physical violence,” said Rep. Dingell. “To fully protect survivors, we must keep up with the many ways that abusers can use technology to stalk, harass, control, or otherwise endanger their victims. This legislation will support specialized education and resources for advocates and victim service providers to recognize, prevent, and combat tech-enabled abuse.”
“As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of abusers who are grossly leveraging many different platforms to stalk, harass and control survivors of domestic violence – from tracking them on social media to hacking into their email,” said Senator Wyden . “Survivors deserve support and the tools to protect against abuse in any shape or form. More education, training, and health care clinics are needed.”
The bill is endorsed by a broad coalition of domestic violence prevention organizations, including the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Legal Momentum.
