Domestic violence affects one in four women, one in nine men and more than 3 million children in the United States. Most people think only of physical abuse alone when they consider domestic violence. However financial abuse happens in 98% of all cases of domestic violence and is one of the most powerful ways to keep a victim trapped. In fact, financial abuse is just as effective in controlling an abused victim as a lock and key.

 

Such abuse and control can come in the form of cutting off contact with family members and loved ones who may be able to help the victim with a way out by confiscating or disconnecting the victim’s cell phone service. Experiencing these actions can make a victim feel isolated and powerless.

 

Fortunately, we are now in an era where women who experience domestic violence do not have to suffer in silence. Domestic violence awareness is more prevalent than ever before thanks to initiatives like HopeLine from Verizon Wireless.

 

HopeLine® from Verizon Wireless helps support victims and survivors of domestic violence while ensuring that phones are reused in an environmentally responsible way. People can donate no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any carrier in any condition, at HopeLine collection bins at Verizon retailers nationwide. The items are then refurbished, with generated proceeds donated in the form of grants to non-profit domestic violence prevention organizations across the country. However, it doesn’t stop there – HopeLine also provides new phones – complete with 3,000 minutes of wireless and text-messaging service – to domestic violence agencies or government and law enforcement agencies for use with their domestic violence clients.

 

In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Verizon is featuring several of their top-selling products for purchase in a special line-up exclusively for October. All of the items are purple, and are packaged with the HopeLine logo along with messaging about domestic violence prevention. For every purple product purchased during October, Verizon – through its HopeLine program – will make a $3 donation to Camp HOPE America, which helps victims and their children gain access to valuable services to help them heal, survive, and thrive.

 

I had the pleasure of viewing some of the items in the line-up at a private fashion and domestic violence awareness night event hosted by Verizon in partnership with Laurie Solet.

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Domestic Violence Awareness

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Domestic Violence Awareness

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Domestic Violence Awareness

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I also got an up-close look at the Moto Z Droid Edition and Moto Z Force Droid Edition phones during the event.

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Exclusive to Verizon, the Moto Z Droid Edition and Moto Z Force Driod Edition work with the Moto Mod system, and offer distinct design and features that can be tailored to any lifestyle.

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The Moto Insta-Share Projector was used to share a video by Pro football player William Gay, sharing his personal story of how domestic violence has impacted his life (as shown in the image above). Below is the video in its entirety.

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Additionally, Verizon representatives were on hand to share a few remarks regarding Verizon’s work in St. Louis in helping organizations dedicating to helping those affected by domestic violence, as well as HopeLine’s efforts across the country.

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I left the Verizon HopeLine even feeling inspired. Seeing all of the people who came together to support a single cause in one night reminded me that we are so strong and are such a powerful force that we can minimize the detrimental effects of domestic violence on a national scale. We can all help ensure domestic violence victims have the help and resources they need to break free from abusive and volatile situations.

 

I stand with HopeLine from Verizon to continue to raise awareness efforts for domestic violence. Let’s do our part to stand up for survivors and the organizations that serve them to make a difference.

 

Domestic Violence Awareness

You can take action against domestic violence in two simple ways: by dropping off no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries, chargers and accessories from any service provider at any Verizon store, or purchasing any purple product from the HopeLine from Verizon accessory line during the month of October. Visit www.verizon.com/about/hopeline to learn more.

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If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799 SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

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This post is sponsored by Verizon. All views and opinions are entirely my own.

Domestic Violence Awareness