Council collects phones for violence survivors

Published on 29 November 2023

Your unwanted mobile phone could provide a vital lifeline for someone in crisis.

Corangamite Shire Council is seeking donations of unused mobile  phones that 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,” Cr Makin said.

“We are launching this campaign as part of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until Human Rights Day on 10 December.

“Family violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

“In 2018-19, 90% 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 all walks of life. 

“These 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.

“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 CEO 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,” Mr Wood 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.

Corangamite Shire is committed to working with local and statewide services to reduce family violence and its impacts on communities.

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.

Caption: L-R Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey, Mayor Kate Makin, Community Relation Officer Simone Mahoney and Cr Nick Cole support the DV Safe Phone Authorised Phone Drop Location at the Civic Centre in Camperdown.