The Domestic Violence Action Team will be running the Cell Phones for Safety Campaign year-round. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Used cell phone drive to support victims of abuse, neglect and violence in Lethbridge

Dec 6, 2022 | 2:30 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT) has launched a brand-new initiative to help vulnerable people living in Lethbridge and surrounding areas.

The Cell Phones for Safety campaign is collecting used cell phones, sim cards and tablets to put in the hands of at risk individuals who may not have access to safe and secure communication.

Coming off of Family Violence Awareness Month in November, DVAT kickstarted the campaign to help victims of abuse, neglect and violence.

Tracy Rocca, Community Domestic Violence Response Lead with Lethbridge Family Services, told LNN, “The phones will increase connection for vulnerable citizens, it provides them with formal and informal support. So, a formal support is someone like police, shelters, counseling, school, any medical help they may need like doctors’ appointments, access to 911.”

“Informal supports are those supportive pieces that keep them connected to the community,” she went on. “Supportive family, friends, different community groups they might belong to, church.”

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In situations of abuse, the Lethbridge Police Service explained in a Facebook post that abusers can limit their victim’s connection to the outside world, and having access to a phone can sometimes be a literal lifeline.

Even if a phone is not subscribed to a phone plan, it can still be used to call 911 in an emergency.

“Abuse, neglect and violence often happen in isolation, so the more connected we can have these people, the safer they’re going to be,” added Rocca.

Electronics collected will be donated to agencies working with DVAT and distributed as needed to those most at risk, including the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response Network.

Since launching in late November 2022, they have already collected 30 cell phones that are in the process of being delivered to agencies in the region.

Rocca went on to say that agencies in the area are known to use their own restricted budgets to purchase phones, and thought this initiative would be a great way to get the community involved in helping support vulnerable people.

Those looking to donate a used phone or device are asked to first remove all personal information and reset it to factory mode before dropping it off at one of four locations in Lethbridge.

Used phones, charging cords and blocks, tablets and sim cards can be donated at:

• Lethbridge Police Service – 135 1 Avenue South
• YWCA – 604 8 Street South
• Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization – 500 1 Street South
• Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre – 1904 13 Avenue North

The Cell Phones for Safety campaign will run year-round and help citizens in Lethbridge, Taber, Coaldale and other communities in Southern Alberta.

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