Donating phones to DV Safe Phone initiative – from left – Longreach eHealth Queensland Technical Officer Karlyn Thomasson, Allied Health Team Leader Sue Swanson, and Longreach eHealth Queensland Digital Trainee Officer Daniella Mudu.
Central West Hospital and Health Service staff are supporting a nationwide initiative to gift mobile phones to domestic violence victims.
The Central West Allied Health team has partnered with the local eHealth Queensland team to provide nine decommissioned mobile phones to DV Safe Phone, with a further three being prepared for donation.
For domestic violence (DV) victims, access to a safe phone can mean the difference between life and death.
DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to domestic violence victims.
Domestic violence perpetrators often use phones to control and monitor their victims, leaving them isolated and without a secure way to keep in contact with friends and family or seek help.
The DV Safe Phone initiative provides victims with a safe phone with which to link to emergency services, support networks, and loved ones.
Central West General Manager Primary Health Services Craig Carey said the health service was eager to get involved and acknowledged the support of the Allied Health Team in supporting the initiative.
“This is a great opportunity to use decommissioned equipment to support vulnerable community members,” Mr Carey said.
“We’d also like to extend our thanks to the local eHealth Queensland team for supporting this donation by ensuring all the phones are suitable and have undergone a factory reset to clear any confidential information.
“As phones continue to be decommissioned and replaced by newer tech, eHealth Queensland hopes that Central West Health will be able to make more donations in the future.”
For more information about the DV Safe Phone program: https://dvsafephone.org/