A bill signed into law this week aims to help victims of domestic violence get out of abusive situations.
Senator Ryan Silvey (photo courtesy, Missouri Senate Communications)
The legislation allows a victim of domestic violence who gets an order of protection to transfer a cell phone number to a new account separate from his or her abuser, even if it means breaking a contract with a provider.
Bill sponsor, Senator Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City), said it will eliminate a lot of concerns for victims trying to get away from their abusers.
“The way that our cell phones and smart phones have become such a part of our lives and a part of our identities, being able to maintain that number and take it with you is what the advocacy community was really concerned with,” said Silvey.
(KOE-leen KOE-bull) Colleen Coble with the Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence said it’s a simple change that will have a big impact on the lives of victims trying to get out of abusive situations.
“For most people if they just thought that tonight they had to leave their home and not be able to communicate with those who care about them and support them in a time of crisis it would be very difficult, especially if that very same type of communication could be used to track you by the person who’s been harming you,” said Coble.
Coble was pleased with the support the bill received from both parties in the legislature and the governor, as well as cell phone providers.
With the governor’s signature the change takes effect August 28.
