There are many great reasons to use online tools like social media and other technology, but many survivors of domestic violence have privacy concerns about who can access their personal information on the Internet and through their cell phones and computers.

The following resources can help you make sure that you are taking the appropriate safety measures when it comes to your privacy and your use of technology:

If you think that your abuser is tracking, or has otherwise compromised, your cell phone, our member agencies may be able to help you obtain a replacement phone through programs such as Verizon Hopeline. This particular program provides cell phones to domestic violence agencies, who can then distribute them to victims of domestic violence.

Voter Address Confidentiality

Don’t choose between your right to safety and your right to vote! Are you a survivor of domestic violence? Do you live with a survivor of domestic violence? If so, you may qualify for the Rhode Island Address Confidentiality Program.

Managed by the Rhode Island Department of State, the program enables victims of domestic violence to participate in the electoral process while keeping their address confidential, blocking their address from being made public in voter registration files.

Victims of domestic violence have a right to the privacy of their medical records.

There is no mandatory reporting of domestic violence in Rhode Island, unless the case falls under one of Rhode Island's mandatory reporting categories, which include gunshot wounds, abuse of children, abuse of persons with developmental disabilities, and abuse of elders.

Hospitals and doctors who share the medical information of a patient without that patient's permission when they are not required to do so by law may face fines and other sanctions under state and federal laws.

To learn more, review the following:

Rhode Island Confidentiality of Health Care Communications and Information Act

Federal HIPAA Privacy Rule