The Federal Communications Commission announced today that its proposed rules regarding the Safe Connections Act are to implement soon, and it provides certain safeguards to the victims of home abuse. Domestic Violence hotline texts or calls will no longer appear on the shared phone plans or statements, to further protect them from abusers.
This is under the signed law by President Joe Biden back in December 2022, one that expands the help to those in need, especially those who feel unsafe in their homes and families.
FCC: Domestic Abuse Hotline Calls, Texts to No Longer Reflect
(Photo : Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)
FCC released its latest proposed rules to implement for the bill which President Biden previously signed into law, centering on the government's actions against domestic abuse.
One of the most significant propositions here is the new requirements of the FCC for phone and telco companies to separate a survivor or victim's line from a shared family plan within two business days. These companies are also subject to removing or hiding "consumer-facing call or text message logs" to further help their case.
According to Ars Technica, there is also a newly-proposed "Lifeline" program from the FCC which will provide support for those who cannot pay for their bills and other mobile services for up to six months.
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Safe Connections Act from FCC, US Government
The recent actions towards giving domestic abuse victims and survivors a helping hand is under the Safe Connections Act which is now a law, to further protect them from their torment at home.
Apart from the FCC, the US government, and partner organizations' recommendations on making this applicable to all, they are also asking for the public's comments to weigh in on the matter.
The comments section is already open for people to drop in their sentiments regarding this law and proposed rules.
Domestic Abuse Problems in the US
Domestic abuse is a significant and sensitive problem in the country, as there are people who are bound or afraid to report their daily experiences facing the abusers, for fear of their lives, as well as their children. There are many hotlines or direct access to report domestic abusers, and a teen police cadet TikToker showed how to make these "silent" 999 calls remain undetected.
Victims in the United States are mostly afraid of what might happen after a domestic abuse or disturbance call, especially if their abuser gets off the hook after getting arrested.
There is also a growing concern about how gadgets make it hard for victims to escape their abusers, especially with the modern tracking capabilities and easily locating them via the internet.
Many people are struggling to open up about their lives or finding it a challenge to get up, report, and leave their abuser after getting used to what is happening to them. This recent law and new rules from the FCC and the US government are taking further steps in protecting these individuals, to protect their lives and dignity from those who take so much from them.
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