Most people use cell phones every day. Unfortunately, cell phones can be used by abusive partners to monitor and control their partner. This creates challenges for survivors, especially when they are planning to leave their abusive partner. Many survivors still need their cell phone after they leave an abusive relationship. Because obtaining a new cell phone can be time-consuming and expensive, survivors often ask how to get off their abusive partner’s wireless plan.

The Safe Connections Act of 2022 is a law that requires wireless companies to support survivors by ensuring they have access to their phone, even after they leave. Learn about the Safe Connections Act and how to use it to get off your abusive partner’s wireless plan.

What does the Safe Connections Act do?

When an abusive partner is the primary account holder for their partner’s phone plan, they can monitor their calls and text messages. They can also track the location of the device the survivor or victim is using. Oftentimes, for survivors looking to leave their abusive relationship, separating their phone lines from an existing plan can be a significant challenge. The Safe Connections Act makes it easier for survivors or victims of domestic violence or dating violence to safely leave a shared wireless plan AND keep their number. The law requires or permits:

• Mobile service providers to promptly separate the phone line of a domestic violence survivor from a shared contract with their abusive partner. They must also separate the lines of those individuals in the survivor’s care. The mobile service provider must complete this action within two business days of receiving a survivor’s request.

• The survivor to submit multiple line separation requests to mobile service providers as needed when there are various shared accounts with an abusive partner.

• All line separations and requests from survivors are confidential except in specific circumstances, such as a court order.

• The Lifeline Program must offer up to six months of financial assistance to survivors who are unable to afford the service on their own.

What’s Required to Get Off Your Abusive Partner’s Wireless Plan?

Each wireless provider has its own team and specific procedures for handling line separation requests. However, the fundamental requirements for submitting a request remain consistent across the board.  These requirements include:

• A survivor or victim must request “relief” from a provider covered under the Safe Connections Act to start the process.

• Once the request is submitted, the service provider pinpoints each phone line to be separated from the account.

• The survivor or victim must submit affidavits to the wireless provider for individuals under their care who have phone lines that need to be separated.

• The wireless provider will identify the phone line associated with the abusive partner.

• The survivor or victim must present documentation to the wireless provider that they are covered under the act (i.e., a victim of domestic violence).

Any of the following options listed below can be utilized to provide evidence that the individual 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.

Requesting a Line Separation for Others

If individuals under the survivor’s care require a separate phone line, all that’s needed is a signed and dated statement in the form of an affidavit. Here is an example affidavit form; you can also visit womenslaw.org to download forms specific to your state. The statement must show that 1) the person is in the survivor’s care (such as a child or dependent adult) and 2) identifies the specific phone line that needs to be separated. Some wireless providers have this option on a form that the survivor can fill out on their website.

The Lifeline Program

Lifeline is a federal program that gives qualifying subscribers a discount on certain monthly phone plans, broadband internet service, or bundled voice and internet packages. Under the Safe Connections Act, survivors and victims’ experiencing financial hardship can qualify and receive discounts for up to six months. This initiative is especially beneficial for survivors who experienced financial abuse and need support after leaving their relationship. Survivors interested in this program can learn about the process and needed documents on the Universal Service Administration webpage. Your wireless provider can also share information on the Lifeline plan with you.

If your wireless provider doesn’t follow the line separation process, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. Visit their website to learn about the process.

Help is available.

If you or someone you know is facing abuse, prioritizing safety is essential. Our advocates are here for you around the clock, ready to provide support and help you access the resources you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), texting “START” to 88788, or chatting with a live advocate at thehotline.org.