Utility company privacy breach, victims beware
The California Secretary of State released today that the Safe At Home Victim Confidential Address Program is getting a much needed update to aid victims wanting a confidential name change.
Presently name changes are public records even for victims of crime including victims of domestic violence who are at a high risk for stalking, continued harassment or even death.
With the upgrade to the Safe At Home Program it is indicated that victims’ in the program will be given special accommodations stemming form this legislation that will mark their name changes confidential so that they prevent publication in public records databases and datafurnishing companies.
I hope this update is actually implemented. Far too often legislation is passed and caught in what I refer to often as a, “legislative log jam” and quality life saving legislation that benefits victims’ never comes to fruition, and the old saying “fail to plan, plan to fail” applies.
This is good news that CA Secretary of State is finally considering updates, I have lobbied for these types of changes for almost 5 years when I first realized how flawed the CA Safe At Home Program was and how dangerous it is for victims who rely upon it without disclaimers of its short comings.
I remain cautious and skeptical knowing that big government has big flaws and for victims of domestic violence its far too often a matter or life or death so it is always better to error on the side of safety.
A message to those reading including vulnerable victims’ of domestic violence, rape and stalking, beware as the utility companies make it easy for perpetrators to locate your home address.
A quick telephone call to the utility company this morning by a domestic violence victim in California made me cringe. The victim phoned PG&E her utility provider and was asked by the automated system for the last 4 of her social security number along with her phone number. Once inputed the computer system read her physical address outloud to her and she is one of thousands enrolled in the CA Secretary of State Safe at Home Program. Panicked she emailed Survivors In Action, hoping for the magic bullet that would cure this problem. Our volunteers directed her to go through a identity change including name and social security number change, however there is no full proof way to protect a person’s privacy without more instruction.
Over the years there has been a steady rise in the number of inquiries received by Survivors In Action from domestic violence victims concerned about privacy protection and fearful of being located by batterers, others contact SIA concerned about cyberstalking .
The victims are scared, confused, frustrated and in desperate need of assistance and support that has not changed over the years.
The net continues to be new frontier explored frequently by perpetrators who continue to out pace law enforcement and legislative efforts.
It it is very difficult for consumers to protect their privacy with the number of consumer private records available on-line today. Datafurnishing companies make it very difficult for consumers to protect their private records.
It is true technology has improved and enhanced lives that is for sure however, the real question I am constantly pondering is for what price?
For some victims of stalking incidents last for years and even a decade because of the use of technology. For others changing their name, social security number and moving from one state to another is the only way to find resolve.
It is up to all of us who work in public safety and in particular with victims of stalking to rise above the “status quo” and to adjust to the maneuvers of the perpetrators who are utilizing tech.This requires time, patience and lots of additional hours that the job doesn’t pay for; however, in order to excel and try to at least stay one step behind the perpetrators this is what has to be done.
Survivors In Action is accepting sign-ups for no-cost training programs for victim advocates, prosecutors and those who work in public safety regarding the use of technology by perpetrators. Please visit Survivors In Action for more information.
Courtesy of Alexis A. Moore
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