General News
7 December, 2023
Turn unwanted phones into lifeline
YOUR unwanted mobile phone could provide a vital lifeline for someone in crisis.
Corangamite Shire Council is seeking donations of unused mobile phones which will be refurbished and distributed through family violence centres and police services.
Mayor Kate Makin said registered charity DV Safe Phone collects, erases and repairs phones then provides them to front line family violence and Police services to support victim survivors of domestic violence.
“DV Safe Phone works with more than 250 domestic violence and law enforcement agencies, safe houses and hospitals across the country,” she said.
“We are launching this campaign as part of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until Human Rights Day on December 10.
“Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.
“In 2018-19, 90 per cent of adults seeking homelessness services due to family and domestic violence were women.
“These free phones can give those in a volatile situation a safe and private way to reach out for support.”
Corangamite Shire is now an authorised phone drop location where members of the community can drop off unwanted working mobile phones so they can be repurposed and used by someone in need.
Cr Nick Cole said domestic violence affects people from all walks of life.
He said the phones will be distributed to victim survivors of domestic violence, through various frontline organisations and service providers.
“Council believes this is really important work and we are enthusiastic about partnering with DV Safe Phones to provide a location for Phone Drops,” Cr Cole said.
“Council is supporting the cause by locating collection boxes at the Civic Centre with our libraries in Camperdown, Cobden, Derrinallum, Terang and Timboon to come online next month.
“This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those currently experiencing family and domestic violence.
“We encourage anyone with a spare phone, or two, they no longer use, to drop them in the nearest collection box.”
DV Safe Phone founder and chief executive officer Ashton Wood said the phones are provided as part of an individual’s ‘safety plan’ offering a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.
“A mobile phone is something that many of us take for granted, but it can be a potential lifesaver for victim survivors of domestic and family violence, giving them a direct line to emergency responders and support services,” he said.
If you would like to be part of the initiative by nominating your organisation as a collection point or to donate, contact the group online at dvsafephone.org.
For more information go to safeandequal.org.au or respectvictoria.vic.gov.au or www.dvsafephone.org.
If you need help you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 7328.