Section 1 – Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act”.

Section 2 – Findings

1. 41% of women in the United States experience some form of sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
2. 26% of men also experience some form of sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.
3. Technological abuse is a growing concern for victims of intimate partner violence.
4. A 2021 study found that 97% of programs providing support to victims of intimate partner violence have indicated that abusers are making use of technology to stalk, harass, or control victims.
5. 1 in 3 women under the age of 35 report being sexually harassed online, and over half of LGBTQ+ individuals report being the target of online abuse based on their sexual orientation or gender.

Section 3 – Definitions

The following definitions apply to this Act:

1. DIRECTOR means the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women.
2. ELIGIBLE CONSORTIUM means an association between one or more institutions of higher education that offers a master’s, doctoral, or vocational program in information technology, cybersecurity, computer science, or other similar technological discipline, and one or more private or public sector partners with a technical workforce and a plan for recruiting technologists or volunteers to work alongside a victim service provider.
3. INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).

Section 4 – Pilot Program to Combat Technological Abuse

The following applies to the pilot program established under section 4(a)(1):

1. The Director, in accordance with paragraph (2), shall establish a pilot program under which the Director may award grants to eligible consortia to combat technological abuse.
2. The Director shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including groups that work on reducing technological abuse and population-specific and culturally specific victim service providers.
3. A grant awarded under the pilot program shall be in an amount not exceeding $2,000,000.

Section 5 – Grant Program to Provide Education on Technological Abuse

The following applies to the grant program established under section 5:

1. A recipient of a grant under section 4 may use the amounts received under the grant to combat technological abuse, including for the purchase of new technological devices for victims and survivors of technological abuse.
2. The Director shall award grants under this section for a period of not more than 5 years.