Hall CEO & Director Cameron Hall said the company donated $2,000 to DV Safe Phone and conducted a mobile phone collection drive across the business.
“DV Safe Phone is a fantastic Sunshine Coast-based charity that collects, repairs and gifts mobile devices to victims of domestic violence,” Cameron said.
“Our staff members were invited to donate any old, unused or broken phones to the cause, which could be refurbished and used to help someone escape an abusive household, as well as provide a much-needed connection to family, friends and support services.
“We compiled more than 50 phones and have also committed to donating all of the company’s retired fleet phones moving forward, so we can continue to help people in need over the long term.”
DV Safe Phone CEO and Founder Ashton Wood said the donations would go a long way in helping to make a difference in the lives of people in need.
“Sadly, every nine days in Australia, one woman is killed by a current or former partner and one man per month also dies due to domestic and family violence.
“Furthermore, one in six women in Australia have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15.
“These statistics are incredibly distressing and highlight the prevalence of domestic violence within Australian communities.”
Ashton said with so many people in need of assistance, the charity required a high volume of phones to keep up with demand.
“Our aim was to collect 1,000 phones during our recent collection drive. While we’re still in the process of compiling and counting all the donated devices at our head office, we are confident we will meet this target, which is really encouraging.
“The devices will be passed along to frontline agencies and support services to distribute.”
Ashton said it was touching to see the positive impact donated devices had on the lives of domestic and family violence survivors.
“We were recently made aware of a mother who was forced to move several times to escape a perpetrator. Providing her with a phone enabled her to contact a range of support services, speak to relatives, and keep herself and her children safe.
“Another woman had fled an abusive situation with only the clothes on her back. She had no phone, ID, money, spare clothes or transport, so she was very grateful to receive a phone, which helped her to access support and get back on her feet safely.”
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, we encourage you to reach out to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or contact emergency services on 000 if you are in immediate danger.
If you would like to donate a phone or funds to DV Safe Phone, please visit dvsafephone.org.
