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Capital Metro Partners with The Hotline for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Posted: Oct 6, 2009 | Comment

October 1, 2009—Austin, TX—Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, race, religion, nationality or educational background, and one of the most chronically underreported crimes. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. For this reason, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) and Capital Metro have partnered to raise public awareness about the issue by advertising The Hotline number on the sides of three buses.

“The Hotline is the first step to safety for many families in crisis. Since Texas generates the second highest number of calls to The Hotline and Austin is the state capital and our home base, teaming up with Capital Metro made sense,” said Katie Ray Jones, Director of The Hotline.

The signs feature The Hotline toll-free number, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), and the toll-free text telephone (TTY) number, 1-800-787-3224, with a statewide statistic: 74% of Texans are affected by domestic violence. One hundred Hotline signs in English and in Spanish are inside one-third of Capital Metro’s bus fleet. Together, the signage will reach approximately 33 percent of the transit authority’s ridership.

“Capital Metro cares about the safety and well-being of its passengers on and off the bus,” said Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro President/CEO. “We are pleased to work with the National Domestic Violence Hotline in raising awareness of domestic violence among the thousands of Central Texans that ride our transit system every day.”

Until the establishment of The Hotline, access to help was a major barrier for victims of domestic violence. Today, there are more than 5,000 local domestic violence programs in the United States providing a wide range of services including shelter, legal assistance, counseling, emergency transportation and more. “Knowing who to call is only one barrier; victims of domestic violence need to know what their options are for protecting their safety and the safety of their children. A single national toll-free number offers the most effective means of support for victims to learn about their options, gather information and receive referrals to resources in their local communities,” added Jones.

The Hotline provides anonymous and confidential life-saving support, crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through a toll-free confidential call center which operates in 170 languages through interpreter services.

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Contact:
Patty Gonzales, Communications Manager
(512) 685-6366 (Office)
(512) 809-3729 (Cell)

Meadows and H-E-B Answer Emergency Call for Funding

Posted: May 12, 2009 | Comment

Austin, TX—May 7, 2009—The Meadows Foundation, Dallas, and H-E-B, San Antonio, have donated $639,000 in 2009 for direct services to aid Texans seeking emergency assistance because of domestic violence.

The Meadows Foundation has awarded a total of $364,000 since January in emergency grants to domestic violence agencies, including $175,000 which will be used for the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) in Austin. H-E-B has announced a special grant of $100,000, which includes $25,000 for the Hotline and $75,000 for shelter programs in communities served by H-E-B. Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) will distribute community funds. (more…)

loveisrespect.org Launches Love Mashup To Kickoff National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Week Feb. 2-6

Posted: Feb 2, 2009 | Comment

Austin, Texas—Feb. 2, 2009—Today the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH) launched the new online application Love Mashup! The LOVE message moviemaker from loveisrespect.org.  Users can make quick movies using art and sound elements from the LOVE campaign to spread the message of healthy dating. Love Mashup allows teens to make their own movies, from five seconds up to 30 seconds, by dragging and dropping sound and art clips from The Love Library to send movies to their friends, their Valentine, or anyone for any occasion. The Avon Foundation is funding the social networking interactive campaign through the m.powerment by mark campaign, dedicated to empowering young women and preventing the cycle of dating abuse and partner abuse. “Dating abuse is something that is not normally talked about or discussed,” said Lauren Conrad, Honorary Co-Chair of the mark girl’s m.powerment campaign. “Love Mashup is a great tool that gives a voice to young women who want to express their feelings and concerns to their friends about recognizing the signs of abuse and how to prevent it before it begins.”

The first week of February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week to raise awareness and increase education of the alarming and often under-reported crime of teen dating violence. “It is critical to raise awareness about teen dating violence, and to let teens know the red flags of an unhealthy relationship, as well as what healthy relationships should be,” said Sheryl Cates, CEO of the NTDAH. “Hitting, slapping, pushing and controlling behavior, like repeated text messages and telling you what to wear and who to hang out with are signs of danger in a relationship.” This week also marks the second anniversary of loveisrespect, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. The Helpline and website are designed for teens so they can speak or chat with a peer or adult about their fears and get immediate assistance.

About Loveisrespect
NDVH launched loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline in 2007, to serve as a source of support and resources for teens involved in dating abuse relationships, their peers, parents, teachers, and friends. The Helpline, a project to of the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH)  offers new and innovative services to teens across the country who are experiencing dating abuse and those who are looking to engage in healthy relationships by utilizing technologies that teens use most often: the telephone, web, and chat. Young men and women can anonymously contact trained peer-to-peer advocates by telephone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. at 1-866-331-9474 or  HYPERLINK “http://www.loveisrespect.org” www.loveisrespect.org to chat (IM style) .

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Retha Lindsey Fielding, APR
(512) 794-1133 Office
(512) 492-2405 Cell
rfielding@tcfv.org

Increased Financial Stress Affects Domestic Violence Victims

Posted: Jan 30, 2009 | Comment

Austin, Texas—January 29, 2009—National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) data released today suggests a link between financial stress and domestic violence. For victims who called the national Hotline during the six week study, 54 percent reported a change in their household’s financial situation in the past year.

NDVH CEO Sheryl Cates said the study was developed in response to both an increase in anecdotal information from callers about how the economic downturn has affected their family, and questions from news media all over the country who asked whether the increase in the demand for Hotline, residential and non-residential services was related to the economy.

“Hotline calls in the third quarter of 2008 were up significantly over 2007, with September up 21 percent,” Cates said. “From what we were hearing on the calls, we believed that there was a link, but needed data to be sure.”

From November 12 until December 31, 2008, 32,316 Hotline calls were received, with 7,868 callers participating in the study. Of those, 54 percent (3,272) answered yes to the question “Has there been a change in your household’s financial situation in the past year?”

Sixty-four percent also answered the second question affirmatively, which was “Do you believe the abusive behavior has increased in the past year?”

“This increase in call volume comes at a time when private donations to the Hotline have decreased significantly,” said Cates. “About 35 percent of our budget is private funds from corporations, foundations and individuals. Given our current capacity and the current call volume, we project as many as 44,000 Hotline calls could go unanswered if we do not reach our funding goals.”

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a confidential 24/7 Hotline, established by Congress and funded by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The confidential service provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. Additional information may be obtained at www.ndvh.org or by calling 1-800-799-7233.

Contact:
Retha Lindsey Fielding, APR
(512) 794-1133 Office
(512) 492-2405 Cell
rfielding@tcfv.org

2008 Vital Link Award

Posted: Oct 28, 2008 | Comment

Austin, Texas—November 13, 2008–At the end of October, the National Domestic Violence Hotline held its annual Vital Links Awards in New York to honor individuals and organizations which have significantly contributed to building awareness of family violence prevention services. Honorees have courageously spoken out against domestic violence and in support of survivors and their families.

Fox News Channel Fox & Friends Co-Anchor Gretchen Carlson was the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

Sponsors for the event included Platinum sponsors Verizon, FedEx and CTIA The Wireless Foundation, Gold sponsors Liz Claiborne, Red Media Group, and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs with all of its contributing organizations, and Silver sponsors Kaiser Permanente, Lifetime Networks and Burson Marsteller.  Other contributors included New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, GFWC Federation Guild Association, Wilkinson, Brimmer, Katcher, Gap, Inc. and Richard Pizutto Events Management.

Awards and recipients included:

• Voices for Change Award to S. Epatha Merkerson, who portrays Lieutenant Anita Van Buren of NBC’s award-winning series Law and Order.
• Vital Link Award to the Verizon Foundation for its generosity and support, on a local and national level of domestic violence education, prevention and victim empowerment programs.
• Special Tribute for Lifetime Achievement to Linda Fairstein, best-selling author of crime novels, and one of the country’s leading legal experts on crimes of violence, having served for 25 years as the Bureau Chief of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit of the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
• Special Tribute for Advocacy and Social Change to Victor Rivas Rivers, who speaks out on the effects of domestic violence on behalf of the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and is the author of a personal memoir, a Private Family Matter. In his book, Victor writes bravely and honestly about what it is like to grow up in a home dominated by domestic violence.  In addition to his national speaking engagements, Victor is a regular in the NBC hit series Life.
• Media for Change Award to Seventeen Magazine for leading the national conversation about healthy dating and dating abuse, and  its support of loveisrespect.org, the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline.
• Media for Change Award to MySpace for its partnership with loveisrespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline which provided advertising to promote the Helpline to teens.
• Volunteers for Change to Jacquelyn Pierce and Nannette White of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) which took on Domestic Violence awareness and prevention as it special  project for 2006-2008. Under the leadership of then-International President Jacquelyn Pierce and Chair Nannette White, the GFWC contributed more than $15.9 million to domestic violence awareness and prevention projects throughout the United States. To celebrate receipt of the award, 37 members of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs were in attendance. These 37 club members were from 13 states, including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Washington.

National Domestic Violence Hotline Commemorates a Landmark 2 Millionth Call

Posted: Oct 21, 2008 | Comment

Attorney General Abbott joins CEO Sheryl Cates to bring awareness during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Austin, Texas- -October 21, 2008- -The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott  have scheduled joint Austin and San Antonio press conferences today, Tuesday, October 21, to announce and commemorate the answering of the Two Millionth Call by NDVH. The Austin press conference will take place at 10:00 a.m. at NDVH offices and the San Antonio event at 1:50  p.m. at The San Antonio Airport Hilton, 611 NW Loop 410. Sheryl Cates, Chief Executive Officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) will join Attorney General Greg Abbott.

“The Hotline has proved to be a critical lifeline to many individuals across the country, positively impacting millions of our fellow citizens and saving countless lives,” stated Cates. “The current challenging economic conditions and resulting impact on organizations like NDVH, makes the strong support of the Attorney General and our friends that much more important and appreciated.”

“Today we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month by recognizing the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s life-saving efforts,” Attorney General Abbott said. “Thanks to NDVH’s trained victim advocates, domestic violence victims receive crucial safety planning information and crisis intervention that help them leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives. The Office of the Attorney General and the Texas Council on Family Violence are committed to an ongoing partnership that serves crime victims and works tirelessly to prevent domestic violence.”

Josie, a domestic violence survivor who now answers Hotline calls, reaffirmed the immense value of Hotline services to individuals in crisis when she said, “They’ve lost all hope, and they call the Hotline. Whether it is the first call for help or the last call, they don’t know where else to go.”

The Two Millionth Call milestone was reached by NDVH this month with the 1 Millionth call received in August, 2003. This significant landmark represents two million families that have received help and hope since the Hotline’s inception in 1996 under the Violence against Women Act (VAWA). The Hotline received over 230,000 calls in 2007 with its monthly call volume averaging over 19,500 calls. Calls to NDVH have climbed steadily in 2008 and some months have seen a 10% to 15% increase over the same period the previous year.

Attorney General Abbott has long supported efforts to prevent and eliminate domestic violence and has been an ardent advocate for Texas children and families. The Office of the Attorney General previously collaborated with TCFV and NDVH in launching the Break the Silence-Make the Call, a statewide domestic violence public awareness campaign.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) and provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families. Additional information on the Hotline may be obtained online at www.ndvh.org or by calling 1.800.799.7233.

National Domestic Violence Hotline Unveils 10-Year Blueprint to Significantly Reduce Domestic Violence In America

Posted: Oct 15, 2007 | Comment

Washington D.C. – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH), with support from the United States Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), unveiled today at the White House, a national blueprint to significantly reduce domestic violence by 2017. The Decade for Change Report is a culmination of four months of collective work by corporate, private and government leadership to develop bold ideas and unprecedented initiatives for preventing domestic violence in .

“Despite significant efforts over the past decade to address the problem of domestic violence in our country, 33 million American women continue to experience abuse every year,” said Sheryl Cates, NDVH chief executive officer. “As a society, we can and need to do more to stop the cycle of violence before it starts. The Decade for Change Report provides the unique opportunity to not only develop viable solutions for primary prevention, but importantly, it is the first step in creating a unified national movement to end domestic violence.”

“Collaboration is the key to changing attitudes and strengthening the resolve of individuals to end all abuse of women, youth and men,” said Mary Beth Buchanan, Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women. “OVW is proud to partner with the National Domestic Violence Hotline to raise awareness about teen dating violence and implement the national blueprint released today.”

More than 120 Summit panelists representing the public and private sectors, faith communities, domestic violence services, youth, state and federal officials, media, education, and medical/mental health professionals participated in a series of three Summit meetings over the course of the last year. The panelists were called on to provide experience and expertise from their respective fields with the ultimate goal of co-creating recommendations to address how various sectors/industries can participate to solve the problem of domestic violence.

“We realized that the challenge of stopping violence is not for women or advocates to solve alone,” continued Cates. “The goal of the Summit was to bring together a representation of all sectors of society to find common ground and bring a collaborative vision to address the issue of violence against women.”

Based on outcomes of the Summit, the Decade for Change Report focuses on four primary thematic areas: public awareness; education and training; organizing men as role models, and primary prevention focusing on ’s youth. The themes do not stand in isolation, but are interdependent in their approach to ending domestic violence. Among the many Report recommendations:

Theme One: Public Awareness

· Shift public opinion and attitudes as well as social norms that say it is okay to tolerate domestic violence to a national consensus that violence against women is unacceptable.

“Creating safe families and communities is something we should all strive to support. The Decade for Change effort creates a voice for those who need to be heard by working to eliminate domestic violence,” said Summit sponsor and panelist, Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target.

Theme Two: Education and Training

· Professional education and training must be integrated into every system, both public and private, including school systems, health care settings; corporate , faith communities and the government.

· New and innovative models should be utilized. Work should be community driven, transformative and linked to certification and professional requirements as part of a universal prevention approach.

“Education can provide an understanding that mass public awareness does not,” said Summit sponsor, Jennifer Kuhn, program manager, The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program. “Through targeted and consistent education, we can increase the individual capacity of family, friends, bystanders and neighbors to understand domestic violence and know how to respond and/or engage appropriate community and corporate resources.”

(more)

Decade for Change Report/page three

Theme Three: Outreach and Inclusion of Men

· Focus prevention efforts on men by bringing them into the work as role models and messengers to influence other men. Consider men and boys as an audience for awareness, information and services.

· Engage men by changing the language, and rather than compartmentalizing, create an understanding that all men have a role in preventing and ending domestic violence.

“We need to shape and deliver messages to all males by redefining gender roles and establishing new, positive culturally-sensitive male role models,” said Maury Lane, NDVH advisory board member and Summit panelist. “Simply put, positive male role models, who ignore the problem of domestic violence, ensure the continuation of a vicious cycle that has hurt so many women over so many years.”

Theme Four: Outreach to Youth

· Target primary prevention efforts at youth to affect developing values and opinions about domestic violence.

· Create a national youth advisory board to accommodate the rapidly changing youth culture.

“Despite girls’ empowerment programs and evolving gender roles, these efforts have not translated into healthy relationship expectations and behaviors,” said Summit panelist and sponsor, Lupita Reyes, national program director
Domestic Violence & Healthcare, Verizon Foundation. “Affecting a shift in attitudes among today’s youth can help break generations of unhealthy patterns and stop violence before it begins.”

While domestic violence is perpetrated against men, the Decade for Change Report is framed to address the larger problem of men’s violence against women in intimate relationships and how it impacts families, communities and the country.

“The best solution for our nation’s families is that they never experience violence in the first place,” said Cates. “It is our hope that the Decade for Change Report becomes a call to action to engage new partnerships and raise our collective voices to leave a lasting legacy of safety and respect within all American homes.”

About the NDVH

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a project of the Texas Council on Family Violence in Austin, Texas. NDVH provides empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence and their friends and families. The Hotline serves as the only center in the nation with access to over 5,000 shelters and domestic violence programs across the , Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDVH operates 24 hours each day, 365 days every year, in over 150 different languages, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. All calls to NDVH are anonymous.

New National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline

Posted: Feb 8, 2007 | Comment

The National Domestic Violence Hotline and Liz Claiborne Inc. announced Thursday the launch of loveisrespect.org the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (NTDAH), a 24-hour national web-based and telephone helpline created to help teens (ages 13-18) experiencing dating abuse during a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC.

“If teens are not turning to their parents for help, it is essential that they have a private outlet where they can discuss their fears with someone who will provide immediate assistance” said Sheryl Cates, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Texas Council on Family Violence. “This helpline and website were designed exclusively for teens so they can speak to a peer or an adult advocate anonymously and confidentially.”

Teens and parents anywhere in the country can call toll free, 866-331-9474 or log on to the interactive Web site, loveisrespect.org, and receive immediate, confidential assistance. In addition to a toll-free phone line, loveisrepect.org will be the first interactive dating abuse website, staffed by trained advocates, where teens can write and immediately get assistance in a one-on-one private chat room.

Liz Claiborne Inc. initiated and funded loveisrespect.org with a multi year, million dollar grant as part of the Company’s commitment to help end teen dating abuse in this country. The helpline and website will operated by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

“My boyfriend terrorized me in a number of ways, but one of the most effective was through email. Email became one of his primary methods of control, especially when my parents refused to let us speak on the phone. He wanted to know where I was every second of every day” says Kendrick Sledge, a teen dating abuse survivor. “If there was a teen dating abuse helpline when I was being abused, I might not have stayed in the relationship as long as I did.”

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a project of the Texas Council on Family Violence in Austin, Texas. NDVH provides empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence and their friends and families. The Hotline serves as the only center in the nation with access to more than 5,200 sources of help including 2,000 battered women’s shelters in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDVH and ndvh.org operates 24 hours each day, 365 days every year, in over 150 different languages, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. All calls to NDVH are anonymous.
loveisrespect.org

National Leaders Convene To Find Solutions

Posted: Oct 11, 2006 | Comment

Washington D.C. – The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) will honor a decade of answering calls and saving lives by launching the first-of-its-kind Decade for Change Summit. This unprecedented gathering of corporate, private and government leadership has been called together to develop a 10-year blueprint for change to significantly reduce domestic violence in America.

More than 100 summit panelists representing the public and private sectors, faith communities, domestic violence services, youth, state and federal officials, media, education, and medical/mental health professionals will be participating in a series of three Summit meetings scheduled throughout the fall. Participants in this groundbreaking leadership conference include:

* Meredith Wagner, Vice President of Public Affairs, Lifetime Television
* Laysha Ward, Vice President, Community Relations, Target
* Patrick Gaston, President, Verizon Foundation
* Sheila Garcia, Associate Director, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
* Dr. Scott McConnell, Director, Center for Early Education and Development, University of Minnesota
* Joanna Coles, Editor, Marie Claire Magazine

“Despite significant efforts over the past decade to address the problem of domestic violence in our country, 33 million American women continue to experience abuse every year,” said Sheryl Cates, NDVH Chief Executive Officer. “As a society, we can and need to do more. The Summit provides the unique opportunity to not only develop viable solutions for prevention, but importantly, it is the first step in creating a unified national movement to end domestic violence.”

Over one-fourth of American women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Since its inception in 1996, the Hotline has become the vital link to safety for victims of domestic violence and their families. Today, Hotline advocates answer an average of 17,000 calls per month from women, men and children across the nation. As public awareness grows about domestic violence, the Hotline has seen a significant increase in call volume, with calls to the Hotline increasing by 200 percent over the last ten years.

Following the day-long national Summit, the NDVH will host a celebratory gala at Union Station in honor of the Hotline’s 10th anniversary and to recognize individual and corporate leadership in the movement to end domestic violence. Hosted by Court TV’s Catherine Crier, this year’s honorees include actress Salma Hayek, domestic abuse survivor Yvette Cade and Steve Largent, President and Chief Executive Officer of CTIA¬-The Wireless Foundation.

Target is the lead sponsor for both the Decade for Change Summit and the 10th Anniversary Gala, along with Allstate Insurance, Verizon, Curves and American Happenings.

“Target is proud to partner with the National Domestic Violence Hotline on the commemoration of the Hotline’s tenth anniversary,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “By working with the Hotline, we are helping to strengthen families, prevent violence and abuse and save lives.”

About the NDVH
The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) is a project of the Texas Council on Family Violence in Austin, Texas. NDVH provides empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence and their friends and families. The Hotline serves as the only center in the nation with access to over 4,800 shelters and domestic violence programs across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDVH operates 24 hours each day, 365 days every year, in over 140 different languages, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing.  All calls to NDVH are anonymous.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at 1,443 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.

Verizon Wireless Offers Direct Connection To National Domestic Violence Hotline Through The #Hope Initiative

Posted: Sep 26, 2006 | Comment

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – In times of danger, domestic violence victims need access to resources that will provide assistance, and are easily accessible and secure.  Verizon Wireless encourages any victim or anyone looking for information on the issue to dial #HOPE from any Verizon Wireless phone.  Callers will be instantly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for professional and confidential help. The call is toll and airtime free.

“We see about 1,500 calls to #HOPE each year, driving home the importance of wireless phones for domestic violence victims who use wireless technology to connect to the help they need,” said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. “For the past 10 years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has served as a safe haven for people touched by domestic violence, and Verizon Wireless is proud to provide our customers with this resource to get help and information.”

#HOPE is a service available across Verizon Wireless’ nationwide wireless network through the company’s HopeLine® phone recycling program. Customers simply dial the keys (#4673) plus the send key to be directly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline where they can receive the help they need through empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and resources. Since 1996, the Hotline has answered 1.5 million calls and responds to 17,000 calls on average each month.  More than a simple toll free number, the Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide its services in more than 140 languages at 1-800-799-SAFE or on the web at www.ndvh.org.

“Since its inception, the Hotline has become the vital link to safety for victims of domestic violence and their families, with call volume increasing over 200 percent over the past ten years,” said Sheryl Cates, chief executive officer of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.  “#HOPE from Verizon Wireless brings increased access to the Hotline and a valuable sense of security to those in need by enabling them to quickly and easily use their wireless phones to connect to resources for safety and independence.”

#HOPE is one initiative in Verizon Wireless’ long-standing commitment to domestic violence prevention through the company’s HopeLine program.  HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants.

For more information about Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine program, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
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About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.  To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Debra Lewis
Verizon Wireless
908.559.7512
Debra.Lewis@VerizonWireless.com