To recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin is once again holding a cell phone recycling drive throughout the month of October to benefit victims of domestic violence and the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV).
In addition to refurbishing phones, the drive also disposes of old cell phones in an environmentally safe way. Throughout the month of October, the public is invited to drop off old and discarded cell phones and cell phone accessories at the Office of Attorney General in Providence and courthouse offices in Newport, Providence, Warwick, and Wakefield.
"The theme of this year's Domestic Violence Awareness Month is 'NO MORE: Together We Can End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.' It's a strong message that offers simple ways, like donating an old cell phone, for each of us to make a difference," said Attorney General Kilmartin. "Donating an old cell phone helps fund programming that empowers victims of domestic violence and helps them remain free from abuse, and gives support and resources to local organizations across Rhode Island working to stop violence in the home."
Cell phones can become an effective tool in the fight against domestic violence. Instead of being discarded, an old phone can be put to good use against domestic abuse through a cell phone recycling program. Cell phones are refurbished and then reprogrammed and used as 911 Emergency phones for individuals in the community at risk of domestic violence. This communication may provide a critical link between law enforcement and a victim of domestic violence who is in a life-threatening emergency.
"Even the simplest act of intervention can be one that saves the life of a victim of domestic violence. Donating a used cell phone is a great way to help for those who want to be involved in the movement to end domestic violence but don't know how. We all know people that may be in an abusive relationship—they are our family members, coworkers, neighbors, and friends. By participating in the phone drive, donors can feel positive they have made a vital difference in giving a lifeline to someone in desperate need," said Deborah DeBare, executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Cell phones not utilized for this purpose will be recycled through HopeLine®, a Verizon Wireless phone recycling program that supports domestic violence organizations throughout the country, including the RICADV. Wireless phones donated to HopeLine are recycled under a zero-landfill policy, generating proceeds for the program. New HopeLine phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of free wireless service – are provided to local domestic violence organizations for use with their clients.
"Donating a phone to HopeLine is an easy way to support organizations throughout the state, like the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, that help address the very serious issue of domestic violence," said Christine Berberich, New England Region President for Verizon Wireless. "We are grateful to those Rhode Island residents who will donate phones to HopeLine throughout October and beyond, helping to provide a vital link between domestic violence victims and emergency services, family and friends."
How it Works: Donate old and discarded cell phones, batteries, chargers and all other cell phone accessories at any of the drop-off locations below.
Privacy Concerns: The Office of Attorney General takes the protection of consumer information seriously. We encourage everyone who plans to donate a cell phone to erase any personal data on the phone before donating.
As part of its own process, phones donated specifically to HopeLine are scrubbed prior to recycling to ensure customer information is removed. For more information please visit www.verizonwireless.com/HopeLine
Locations: Drop-off locations are at Attorney General offices inside the various courthouses. Drop-off hours: 8:30 am. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Office of the Attorney General 150 South Main Street Providence
Kent County Courthouse James W. Leighton Judicial Complex 222 Quaker Lane Warwick
Newport County Court House Eisenhower Square Newport
Washington County Courthouse McGrath Judicial Complex 4800 Tower Hill Road Wakefield
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV) is an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence. RICADV was formed in 1979 to support and assist the six domestic violence prevention agencies in Rhode Island. The organization supports its six member agencies, strives to create justice for victims, and raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence in Rhode Island. ####