Amy Sheehan* says unwanted mobile phones can be a lifeline for domestic violence victims during the coronavirus crisis.
With domestic violence support services in high demand during the coronavirus pandemic, a Sunshine Coast businessman has created a program to help ensure victims can stay connected.
DV Safe Phone aims to collect 300 unused mobile phones and their chargers over the next month that can be restored and given to domestic violence victims.
Mooloolaba businessman Ashton Wood came up with the idea while tidying his house during travel restrictions.
“We were stuck at home and we had a whole lot of stuff to donate to charity,” he said.
“So, I rang Janine Lee from Domestic Violence Business Solutions … and she said the number-one item they need right now is a mobile phone — and I was shocked.”
Ms Lee said the project had the potential to save lives, with many victims of domestic violence forced into isolation with their abusers during the pandemic.
“We’re seeing a huge increase in reports of domestic violence … what we’re wanting to do is connect people who are feeling isolated at home to really reach out for help,” she said.
“Mobile phones are extremely important, because what happens is they’re hacked, broken or stolen, preventing people from being able to reach out for help.”
Local IT expert Patrick King has offered his Sunshine Coast retail stores for people wanting to donate their phones.
“It’s good for us to be able to use our retail stores as a drop-off point … and just spending five minutes with a phone to make sure it’s working, it’s really quite rewarding,” he said.
The three stores at Caloundra, Birtinya and Maroochydore had already received a handful of unwanted devices, Mr King said.
“Our team are ready, trained and qualified and know how to fix phones, make sure they’re erased properly … and that data isn’t going out to anyone else.”
Mr Wood said people could donate the phones in person or they could be sent in the mail.
Details can be found at dvsafephone.com.au.
* Amy Sheehan is a news reporter for ABC Sunshine Coast.
This article first appeared at www.abc.net.au
