Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in East Anglia to be given free phones
More than 500 are being provided to enable people to contact family, friends and emergency services
Victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in East Anglia are going to be given phones.
Virgin Media O2 Business is donating more than 500 which will be distributed in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk via support services.
It's hoped the donated devices will enable service users of the registered support services to have access to a safe phone to contact friends, family and emergency services, if they do not have access to a phone already.
This is important as, in some circumstances, mobile phones have been broken or confiscated by perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Some of the phones will come with free SIM cards and mobile data from the National Databank - which is a like a food bank but for free data, texts and calls.
“These phones could be, quite literally, a lifeline for vulnerable victims"
Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Taylor, said: “As a Police and Crime Commissioner, I am responsible for commissioning practical and emotional support services for victims of crime in Norfolk.
“These phones could be, quite literally, a lifeline for vulnerable victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
"Not only will they provide the necessary connectivity to contact support services but will also help to alleviate some of the isolation people can feel.
"Making sure that more people recovering from domestic abuse or sexual assault have the opportunity to communicate with family members outside of the home, will no doubt have a positive impact on their mental health too.”
Bedfordshire’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Umme Ali commented: “One of my core focusses is supporting the PCC to develop strategies to reduce violence against women and children.
"I therefore wholly welcome this initiative and would like to thank Virgin Media O2 Business for contributing towards alleviating some of the anxiety and fear that is felt by victims of these awful crimes.
“In Bedfordshire, we fund support services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and I will continue to always put victims at the heart of policing and the wider criminal justice system.”