Eurobodalla Council joins DV Safe Phones program, offering recycled phones to victims in need

Outdated mobile phones are being turned into potentially lifesaving tools for domestic violence victims on the NSW South Coast.

Council’s Women in Local Government Alliance and IT department show the DV Safe box in action. Picture: Supplied

Outdated mobile phones are being turned into potentially lifesaving tools for domestic violence victims on the NSW South Coast.

Eurobodalla Council has joined the national ‘DV Safe Phones program’, offering a collection point in Moruya where locals can drop off old devices to be refurbished and distributed to those in need.

Council’s Women in Local Government Alliance Chair, Kim Bush, said the program gave domestic violence victims access to safe phones, helping them stay connected without fear of being tracked.

“We found out about this program and wanted to help people in our shire to be able to access this support,” Ms Bush said.

“We also noted there were no collection points on the South Coast — so we registered to become one.”

The phone drop box is located at Eurobodalla Shire Council Chambers in Moruya. Picture: Supplied.

The initiative ensures local services working with domestic and family violence victims can apply for and hand out phones to those who need them.

Council will also recycle its old mobile phones through the program, diverting e-waste from landfill.

Phones can be dropped off at the council offices in Moruya and will be securely wiped and refurbished before being handed to victims across the region,

DV Safe Phones says each donated phone can be a “powerful tool” that helps victims reclaim their safety and independence.

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Originally published as Eurobodalla Council joins DV Safe Phones program, offering recycled phones to victims in need