@Rhynoks
There are so many important safety considerations all must be carefully considered.
One other perspective I refer you to is Verizon Wireless' outstanding work with HopeLine,http://aboutus.vzw.com/communityservice/hopeLine.html
Verizon Wireless is a recognized corporate leader for its commitment to preventing domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue.
Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any wireless service provider at our Communications Stores nationwide and puts the nation’s most reliable wireless network to work in our communities by turning these unused wireless phones into support for victims of domestic violence.
Supplying a Safety Net in Connecticut – Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury
A wireless phone provides safety and security for domestic violence victims. At Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury in Connecticut, HopeLine® phones from Verizon Wireless provide that safety net while also enabling victims to rebuild their lives.
Verizon Wireless has supported Safe Haven for more than 10 years, beginning with the donation of voicemail boxes for victims of domestic violence. Today, Safe Haven’s clients use HopeLine phones for a variety of reasons, from dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency situation to finding employment to staying in touch with family and friends.
“HopeLine provides a critical communications tool that helps our clients find employment, housing, medical and other things they need to take care of themselves and their families,” said Peggy Panagrossi, executive director of Safe Haven. “The HopeLine program is a wonderful resource for our clients. With their wireless phones, our clients can speak to our court advocates regarding their cases and can access services for housing, job training, legal issues and more.”
The following stories illustrate how HopeLine phones have helped Safe Haven’s clients during times of need:
- A domestic violence victim who lived alone had an ex-boyfriend who broke in and ripped her landline phone out of the wall. She was not able to replace it, but was given a HopeLine phone, which she slept with under her pillow. The next time he broke in, she was able to call the police with the HopeLine phone and he was arrested.
- A domestic violence victim with Parkinson’s disease who is homebound and the mother of two small boys used a HopeLine phone as a “lifeline” to stay in touch with her doctor, attorney and children’s school.
- A domestic violence victim with an abusive husband who listened in on her calls and installed hidden cameras in their home was able to escape to safety by planning an escape plan with the help of the Safe Haven and a HopeLine phone.
- A domestic violence victim went through a divorce, lost everything, including her phone. She was given a HopeLine phone and was able to secure a job as a home health aide. One night she was driving home from work when her car broke down in the middle of nowhere. She used her HopeLine phone to call for help.
With HopeLine phones and Safe Haven’s help, domestic violence victims have been able to protect themselves and their families, communicate with their family, friends and employers, and provide a foundation for rebuilding their lives.
Safe Haven provides emergency shelter and free comprehensive support services to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. At its 15-bed emergency shelter, there is food, personal hygiene products and clothing for families staying at the shelter. Safe Haven’s counselors offer counseling, advocacy, support group and information and referrals, and the bilingual, bicultural staff and volunteers also provide legal advocacy, year-round community education, and a 24-hour crisis hotline.
