The Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General and Verizon Wireless have collaborated to present a $7,500 contribution to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV). This donation is in part the result of a month-long cell phone recycling drive led by Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin, and supported by the Verizon Wireless HopeLine phone recycling program.
Through its HopeLine program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer used cell phones, devices, batteries, chargers, and accessories in any condition and from any service provider. These wireless devices are recycled under a zero-landfill policy, which generates proceeds for the program. New HopeLine phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of free wireless service – are provided to local domestic violence organizations, including member agencies of the RICADV, for use with their clients. The recent contribution to RICADV will support statewide training for domestic violence advocates and other social service professionals who work with victims of domestic violence.
"The statistics are staggering: according to national data, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of some form of violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime," said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. "Last year alone, Rhode Island's emergency hotline for victims of domestic violence received 3,136 calls. The numbers show how vitally important it is that victims have access to a phone so that they can reach out for help, resources, and support. Our Office has an ongoing commitment to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as the many programs and services they provide to victims of domestic violence, and we are proud to support the HopeLine program, which is a critical resource for many of the victims served by RICADV."
"We are grateful to Verizon Wireless, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Rhode Islanders who donated to Verizon's HopeLine program this year. The act of donating a cell phone can provide a lifeline to a victim of domestic violence, not only giving her the ability to communicate, but also to make a plan for staying safe when abuse occurs, possibly preventing a domestic violence tragedy," said Deborah DeBare, executive director of the RICADV. "In addition, this grant will enable us to continue providing quality trainings to advocates and professionals in Rhode Island, leading to a stronger network of safety and support for those experiencing abuse. Domestic violence is a complex community health issue; it is when individuals, communities, and organizations band together that we can make the biggest difference in the lives of survivors. Whether a personal donor, a corporate partner, a public office, or a statewide coalition, we all have a part to play, and it is through this collective impact that we will end domestic violence."
Officials from the RICADV and Verizon Wireless recently visited with employees from the Office of the Attorney General in Providence to thank the staff for their collection efforts and their dedication to supporting local survivors.
"Donating a no-longer used cell phone through Verizon's HopeLine program is an easy and effective way to address the very serious issue of domestic violence," said Christine Berberich, New England Region President for Verizon Wireless. "Thanks to the wireless phones and accessories that members of the community have donated to HopeLine this year, Verizon Wireless is able to award a grant to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. We are proud to have once again worked closely with the Office of the Attorney General, and are thankful to the residents of Rhode Island for their active role in helping to support survivors right here in their community."
Cell phones can become an effective tool in the fight against domestic violence. Instead of being discarded, an old phone can be put to good use against domestic abuse through a cell phone recycling program. This communication may provide a critical link to law enforcement in a life-threatening emergency.
ABOUT RICADV: The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. The organization not only supports and gives leadership to the six member agencies, but also strives to create justice for victims, and create awareness on the issue of domestic violence in RI.
ABOUT VERIZON WIRELESS: Verizon Wireless operates the nation's largest and most reliable 4G LTE network. As the largest wireless company in the U.S., Verizon Wireless serves 108.6 million retail customers, including 102.6 million retail postpaid customers. Verizon Wireless is wholly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VerizonNews.