Anti-domestic violence body backs telecom bill

The Family Violence Task Force has thrown its support to a pending legislative measure that seeks to criminalize the use of telecommunications systems and gadgets with intentions to harass individuals.

But the Task Force wants the bill, sponsored by House Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications Committee Chair Rep. Rosiky Camacho, to include additional electronic gadgets in the list of telecom tools that should not be used to cause discomfort to others.

Project Coordinator Laura T.. Flores said the Task Force commends the House PUTC committee for its efforts to safeguard the rights of domestic violence victims but stressed that some changes should be made in the proposed measure.

Ms. Flores specifically mentioned that the bill should make it clear that it would be unlawful for any person to make use of telephone facilities or equipment, electronic mail, “facsimile, pagers and other communication devices.”

“These other sources of communications should be included in order to reflect the current technology, as well as future technological advances. This would also make this statute more consistent with that in other jurisdictions,” she told Mr. Camacho in a letter.

At the same time, Ms. Flores suggested the inclusion of additional language in HB 12-205, or the Deprivation of Communications Statute, to make it more responsive to the needs and the protection of the rights of violence victims.

The Task Force said Section 3(A) of the bill should include the words “before” and “after” to ensure victims are protected well “before, during and after the commission of a crime or violence.”

“Often with domestic violence cases, the incidents of threats, intimidation and physical assaults occur in a pattern along a continuum,” Ms. Flores told Mr. Camacho.

She pointed out that domestic violence cannot be isolated to single random incidents of violence, but rather consist of a variety of behaviors that are intended to induce fear and maintain control in the relationship.

The tampering of phone lines is common and often occurs at various stages in the cycle of violence in many domestic violence cases, she added.

The Task Force also backs passage of HB 12-306 which provides consumer protections to purchasers of telecommunications services.

In relation to the safety of the victims, Ms. Flores said a 30-day notice for disconnection and another 90-day access to 911 emergency line would significantly enhance protection of victims who remain in danger due to current practices.