Organisations rally to connect DV victims with crucial support

Sunshine Coast Council, Entag and Moorup have joined forces to donate 40 mobile phones to DV Safe Phone to help domestic and family violence victims access vital communication when in need.

Sunshine Coast based not-for-profit organisation, DV Safe Phone, collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence.

Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law thanked everyone involved in collecting and donating phones to DV Safe Phone.

“Donating these safe phones is a small way we can support those affected by domestic and family violence,” Cr Law said.

“An estimated eight million Australians have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15*.

“If you have any spare or unused phones, I encourage you to donate these to DV Safe Phone. These 'Safe Phones' provide a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.”

DV Safe Phone Founder Ashton Wood said the mobile phone was often one of the first items to be smashed, monitored or taken during domestic violence, leaving the victims isolated from support.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Sunshine Coast Council, Entag and Moorup we will be able to protect another 40 domestic violence survivors, with a phone they can use to keep themselves safe,” Mr Wood said.

DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence. They have donation boxes across the Sunshine Coast, including some Council Customer Service Centres and Libraries. To find a location, please visit https://dvsafephone.org/ 

Moorup Customer Success Manager Tim Denholm said Moorup donates a percentage of devices they purchase to those experiencing digital exclusion.

“Our relationship with Sunshine Coast Council enabled us to donate 40 phones in partnership to DV Safe Phone,” Mr Denholm said.

“Moorup supports people experiencing digital exclusion by collecting, securely erasing the data and preparing 5% of used devices they purchase from their customers via a trade-in.

“This ensures they are ready for those in need.

“Sunshine Coast Council and Moorup are proud to be able to provide DV Safe phone an annual donation of 40 devices, which means 40 more phones available for those most in need.”

Entag CEO Kris Carver said their organisation partnered with Moorup and were proud to help an important and sadly prevalent issue.  

“Being a Sunshine Coast business, it’s great to be able to provide support to another Sunshine Coast based organisation like DV Safe Phone, which not only provides lifeline phones for locals, but also across Australia,” Mr Carver said.

Visit Council’s website for more information on how you can help support the prevention of Domestic and Family Violence.