# Plain Language Summary: Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act

This bill creates two new federal programs to help victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking who are being harassed or controlled through technology. The problem it addresses is real and widespread—according to the bill, 97 percent of domestic violence support organizations report that abusers are using technology like phones, social media, spyware, and monitoring apps to stalk, harass, or control their victims. People are being tracked through their phones, having their social media monitored, receiving threatening messages, and having personal information posted online without consent. The bill recognizes that this "technological abuse" has become a major part of how abusers control victims, and current support systems aren't equipped to handle it.

The first part of the bill creates a pilot program that gives grants of up to $2 million each to teams that combine domestic violence organizations with technology experts. These teams could be made up of colleges with computer science programs, tech companies, or other organizations with technical expertise working alongside local domestic violence centers. The grants can be used to buy new devices for victims whose phones or computers have been compromised, provide specialized victim services, and help survivors escape technological abuse. Up to 15 organizations nationwide can receive these grants over a five-year period.

The second part funds educational programs to train people who work with abuse victims—counselors, advocates, police officers, and others—on how to recognize and respond to technological abuse. This money goes to nonprofits and colleges to create training materials and educational resources that help these professionals understand the problem and know how to help victims protect themselves.

The bill essentially recognizes that modern abuse often happens through technology, and it's trying to build a support system that includes both trained advocates and technical experts who can help victims regain control of their digital lives and stay safe.

Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act

Eshoo, Anna G.

Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act This bill establishes a pilot program for the Office on Violence Against Women to award grants to reduce domestic violence that occurs using any form of technology.