A national charity has called for Australians to donate any spare useable mobile phones to help domestic violence victim-survivors escape abuse.
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Sufferers of domestic violence often have their access to devices restricted, controlled or monitored by their abuser, Australia charity DV Phone Safe said.
"Tech-based abuse can be devastating," DV Safe Phone founder Ashton Wood said.
"It has countless forms but a few include threatening victim-survivors, tracking their location, controlling how they use the device - including their online banking," he said.
The charity distributes second-hand devices to people suffering domestic violence to provide a lifeline when it's needed most.
Donate an unused phone
There are nearly 8 million unused, working mobile phones collecting dust in homes around Australia, mobile recycling program and DV Safe Phone partner MobileMuster said.
"If you have an old working phone lying at the bottom of your drawer, donate it to DV Safe Phone this DV Prevention Month. Your phone could change lives," Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association and MobileMuster CEO Louise Hyland said.
"If you have a broken old phone, DV Safe Phone can't rehome it. However, you can recycle it through one of MobileMuster's recycling drop-off points or a prepaid postage bag," she said.
Mooloolaba Police Vulnerable Person Unit senior sergeant Jonathan McBride said "if you are in an unsafe situation, help is available".
"You are not alone, you will be believed, and it's not your fault. Call the police on Triple Zero (000) or find confidential information, counselling, and support by contacting 1800RESPECT," he said.
Find a mobile drop-off location here.
Support is available for those who may be distressed:
- Phone Lifeline 13 11 14
- Men's Referral Service 1300 776 491
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- beyondblue 1300 224 636
- 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732
