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

This bill aims to protect people from “technology abuse” tied to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It notes that abusers often use phones, apps, social media, and spyware to stalk, harass, or control victims, and that this problem is widespread among survivor support programs and online users.

It creates a five-year pilot program run by the Office on Violence Against Women to fund local efforts to fight technology abuse. The program can award up to 15 grants, with each grant up to $2 million. Funds can be used to help victims directly (like replacing devices) and to provide services that reduce tech abuse. Federal agencies and victim service groups must be consulted as the program is set up, and progress reports are required during and after the pilot. It also sets up a separate education grant program for nonprofits and colleges to build training, tools, and materials, with up to $20 million in total grants over five years.

• Who is affected: Victims and survivors of abuse; nonprofits, colleges, and local groups that support them.
• What changes: New grants to fight tech-enabled abuse, help victims get safe devices, and train the people who support them.
• When: The pilot program runs for five years, with a review around year three and a final report after it ends; the education grants also run for five years.