New Report Explores Connected Technology for Domestic Violence Survivor Safety in Rural Communities

In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association's Smart Rural Community (SRC) program today released a new report examining how small broadband providers can help address domestic violence and sexual assault in rural spaces with connected, wearable technology that empowers advocates and better protects and rehabilitates vulnerable populations.

The report, "Connected Technology for Survivor Safety: Mitigating Domestic Violence Risks in Rural Spaces," follows a 2023 SRC panel discussion between Liz Kohler, founder and CEO of Nexion Solutions, the creator of a broadband-enabled wearable emergency response device, and Judge Frederick T. Moses of Hocking, Ohio, about the intersection of domestic violence, substance abuse and technology in rural spaces.

The conversation inspired a partnership between Kohler, Elizabeth Brown, marketing manager for Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (PTCI; Guymon, Okla.), and Matthew Crook, operations coordinator for Northwest Domestic Crisis Services, Inc. (Guymon, Okla.), who worked together to deploy Nexion's devices in the panhandle of Oklahoma. The report highlights how the partnership between technology innovators, rural broadband providers and domestic violence advocates can provide life-changing support for survivors in rural communities facing a variety of challenges reaching law enforcement.

"Technology like this is necessary in rural and urban settings, but for different reasons," Kohler told Brown and Crook in a conversation documented by NTCA Vice President of Policy and Industry Innovation Josh Seidemann. "Incidence and severity rates for domestic violence in rural settings are higher. And if you talk to law enforcement who operate in rural settings, they will identify different reasons for why that is."

"Domestic violence is not limited by geography," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield. "However, barriers like distance, longer emergency response times and limited access to services can make it even more challenging for victims and survivors in rural areas to receive support before, during or after a crisis. I am proud that small, community-based broadband providers like PTCI are working to fill the gaps through innovative partnerships with Nexion and Northwest Domestic Crisis Services, Inc., making a life-saving difference for survivors. I hope that their efforts can serve as inspiration for other communities."

NTCA shared the report with its nearly 850 small broadband provider members this week and will continue to promote community-based solutions to domestic violence and substance abuse challenges in upcoming educational programming.