VICTIMS of domestic violence in the South West will have access to another tool to empower themselves, after Telstra donated 20 smartphones to the local Family Protection Unit last Friday.
At risk victims will be able to collect a phone from Bunbury Police Station and register the device to create a point of contact with support services.
The station requested more phones after twelve donated last year have since been allocated.
In accepting the phones South West family protection coordinator Don McLean said victims of domestic violence often “left with nothing but the clothes on their back.”
“We find that phones are getting smashed, damaged or stolen by their abusive partners so when they do leave the house or seek assistance they’re completely isolated,” sergeant McLean said.
“So by giving them a phone it allows them to keep their social network going so they have friends and family for support, but for policing it is fantastic for us too because we can now engage with the victim and refer them to other agencies such as Warratah Support.”
The South West Family Protection Unit is a joint initiative between police and the Warratah Support Centre.
Waratah family and domestic violence coordinator Jo Lafferty said the feedback from those who have received phones has been positive.
“Every single one of them has been thrilled to get one,” Ms Lafferty said.
“It’s a gift isn't it – to get given a phone, especially under those circumstances, these women are usually in absolute chaos and they just can’t even think straight.”
A prepaid sim card and credit is included with each device.
Important numbers:
Bunbury Police: 9722 2100
Waratah Support Centre: 9791 2884
SW Women’s Refuge: 9791 2894
