NEW: Kilmartin Teams With Verizon to Prevent Domestic Violence
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: Kilmartin Teams With Verizon to Prevent Domestic Violence
Throughout the month of October, the Office of Attorney General hosted cell phone collections at its offices in Providence, and throughout various county courthouses, to benefit victims of domestic violence. At the conclusion of the drive, more than 250 no-longer-used cell phones and cell phone accessories were donated to HopeLine®, a Verizon Wireless phone recycling program that provides free wireless phones and grants to non-profit organizations focused on supporting victims of domestic violence.
Officials from Verizon recently visited with employees at the Newport County Courthouse to thank the staff for their collection efforts, and their dedication to supporting victims of domestic violence. In addition to accepting the phones and equipment for recycling, the company made a $2,500 HopeLine contribution to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence. RICADV will use these funds to further statewide strategic planning among its six member agencies to better serve victims of domestic violence.
“The response from law enforcement agencies and the general public was tremendous. The simple act of donating an old cell phone can help a victim of domestic violence get emergency help and access to resources to end the cycle of violence,” said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin. “With the rapid advances in cell phone technology, we often forget the freedom it has given us. For someone in an abusive, controlling and violent relationship, a cell phone is much greater than a convenience, it is a lifeline.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Not so long ago, we were among the few voices out there speaking out against domestic violence,” said Deborah DeBare, executive director of the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “It is so heartening to have state leaders, like Attorney General Kilmartin, sharing our vision of an end to domestic violence in Rhode Island.”
“We are very appreciative of the Office of the Attorney General’s support of HopeLine,” said Christine Berberich, President of Verizon Wireless’ New England Region. “The Office of the Attorney General and the Rhode Island Coalition are both leaders on the frontlines of this important issue every day. We are proud to stand with law enforcement and non-profits that are supporting survivors of domestic violence and their families.”
Cell phones are an effective tool in the fight against domestic violence. Instead of being discarded, an old phone can be refurbished and put to good use against domestic abuse through a cell phone recycling program. Cell phones are then reprogrammed and used as 911 Emergency phones for individuals in the community at risk of domestic violence. This communication may provide a critical link between law enforcement and a victim of domestic violence who is in a life threatening emergency.
HopeLine®, a Verizon Wireless phone recycling program supports domestic violence coalitions throughout the country, including the RICADV. Wireless phones given to HopeLine are refurbished and sold for reuse, generating proceeds for the program. Refurbished phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless service – are provided to local domestic violence organizations or local government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients. If donated phones are unsalvageable, they are recycled in an environmentally sound way under a zero landfill policy.
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. It was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. The RICADV not only supports and give 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.
Photo Caption (Left to Right):
Deborah DeBare, executive director for the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin; Michele Cinquegrano, Regional Director - Verizon External Affairs RI; Saray Velez, paralegal for the Office of Attorney General; Robin DeMeglio, paralegal for the Office of Attorney General; Special Assistant Attorney General Ania Hopkins; Assistant Attorney General James Callaghan