Verizon Wireless Helps Launch New D.C. Victim Services Program During National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Full Transparency

Our editorial transparency tool uses blockchain technology to permanently log all changes made to official releases after publication.

More of our content is being permanently logged via blockchain technology starting [10.23.2020].

Learn more

WASHINGTON, DC — As part of its ongoing commitment to fight the growing problem of domestic violence, Verizon Wireless is donating 10 wireless phones to the Victim Services Program, a new office being launched this week by the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA).

The donation will take place on Thursday, April 26 at a ceremony marking the debut of the new Victim Services Program and commemorating the 21st anniversary of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (April 22-28, 2001). The ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Charles Sumner School, 1201 17th Street, N.W. in Washington and will be hosted by CSOSA.

The Victim Services Program will loan the phones on a rotating, priority-needs basis to provide domestic violence victims with an emergency lifeline when they need it. All phones will be pre-programmed to speed dial 911, the Victim Services Program and the 24-hour hotlines operated by the House of Ruth and My Sister's Place, two local groups that serve domestic violence victims.

"Although it's called 'domestic' violence, spousal or family abuse can occur anytime and anywhere. The Verizon Wireless phones that we're donating will enable domestic violence victims to summon help in an emergency no matter where they are - at home, in a car or at the office," says Patrick Devlin, president for Verizon Wireless in the Washington/Baltimore/Virginia region.

In addition to donating the phones, Verizon Wireless is providing the Victim Services Program with framed posters from its national domestic violence campaign launched last fall. The posters, which will be displayed in the lobbies of the seven field offices of the Victim Services Program, are designed to call attention to the epidemic and inform victims and others where to turn for help.

"Domestic violence is a pervasive and insidious problem that demands attention and assistance from family members, co-workers and employers," says Devlin. "These posters are designed to help raise awareness about the magnitude of the problem and direct people to sources of help."

The Victim Services Program works in conjunction with CSOSA Officers and other Victim Service Agencies to identify victims of crime; to provide education on victim rights; and to deliver orientation and technical assistance to victims and the community. The Program will serve residents within the District of Columbia who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual offense or property crimes.

Last year in Washington, D.C. alone, there were more than 5,000 cases of domestic violence and countless other untold incidents.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 27 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular, GTE Wireless and PrimeCo Personal Communications. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 96 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

###

To update your profile or remove yourself from automatic News Delivery, please visit the Verizon Wireless Customized News Service Center.

####

Related Articles

02/15/2021

Virtual Reality (VR) has begun to transform medicine in profound ways. VR solutions are being used to train doctors and to plan and practice operations.

10/23/2020

Verizon’s military discounts site shows everything you need to know about Wireless offers, FiOS savings and military career opportunities, all in one place, making it simple for service members and veterans to discover what Verizon has to offer.