Council answers call to action for DV victims

Sunshine Coast Council has this year donated 100 iPhones to local organisation DV Safe Phone to help mobilise support for domestic and family violence victims in need.

It comes as Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson announced customer contact centres located in Caloundra and Nambour would also be a collection point for the Sunshine Coast community who also wish to donate their working, unused mobile phones to those in need.

Mayor Jamieson said he was proud to see council support Sunshine Coast based DV Safe Phone, which had gone from strength to strength since launching in April 2020.

“Council wiped and donated 49 phones earlier this year and today donated the remaining 51 through end-of-lease phones as they became available,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“It’s a simple concept and one almost all of us can contribute to by getting an old, unused mobile phone out of the bottom drawer or desk and giving them to someone who really needs it.

“In the past year alone, Sunshine Coast police attendances at domestic violence incidents have increased from 3000 to 4000 which is a truly alarming statistic and a situation that is extremely distressing for everyone involved.

“This Friday (December 10) marks the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence but we cannot let that stop us spreading the crucial message that our community must have zero tolerance towards domestic and family violence.”

Ashton Wood from DV Safe Phone said local governments, businesses and the community had donated more than 3500 mobile phones to date.

“The support we have received has been incredible and it’s great to see Sunshine Coast Council continue to back this initiative,” Mr Wood said.

“Domestic violence has no gender and no age limit. This is why we are committed to helping all victims without prejudice or bias.

“This fabulous support from Sunshine Coast Council is timely, as we call for phones and donations in the lead up to Christmas. It’s a time when we know victims need these safe phones the most.

“Thank you. By working together in partnership with our community, we can help domestic violence survivors have a brighter future.”

For more information on how you can help DV Safe Phone, including drop-off points, please visit www.dvsafephone.com.au  

Council was one of the first local governments in Queensland to back the DV Safe Phone campaign.

Last month council partnered with the Make It Stop committee to help plant 300 native trees and shrubs along the Mooloolaba Foreshore Reserve in support of victims of domestic and family violence.

In May this year council helped launch the Red Bench Project alongside the Red Rose Foundation, a community campaign in the hope bright red benches installed across the region will raise public awareness and provide an opportunity to remind people of the unacceptable presence of domestic and family violence in communities.

Help at hand

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or domestic violence, help is available. Get free, confidential online and phone advice and counselling for women and men, 24/7. In an emergency call the police on Triple Zero (000).

DVConnect Womensline - 1800 811 811

DVConnect Mensline - 1800 600 636

1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732

DV Safe Phone's Ashton Wood, Nikki Firmin, Mayor Jamieson, Cr Maria Suarez and Cr Joe Natoli.