A new bill passed Monday aims to strengthen protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The legislation allows public agency meetings to be held in private if disclosing information would reveal a survivor's location.

State Sen. Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox said keeping survivors' locations confidential is critical to their safety. "Unfortunately, the subsequent weeks, months or even years after leaving your abuser are the most dangerous times for survivors," she said. "Keeping them safe, and I am proud to see this bill through to final passage."

The bill passed both chambers unanimously and now heads to the governor's desk.