The Kauai County, Verizon Wireless and Motorola Partner To Combat Domestic Violence

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KAUAI, HI — The County of Kauai and Verizon Wireless, in conjunction with Motorola, today launched a public-private partnership to lessen the toll of domestic violence on local families, a toll that includes approximately 100,000 days of hospitalization, 30,000 emergency room visits, and 40,000 doctor visits in Hawaii each year according to the World Health Organization. Partnership initiatives include:

  • Donation of 20 pre-programmed digital wireless phones and one year of airtime to the Kauai YWCA's Family Violence Center, courtesy of Verizon Wireless, Motorola and the national CALL to PROTECT philanthropic initiative.
  • HopeLineSM phone recycling drive. The Verizon Wireless store and Kauai County fire stations will accept used wireless phones, accessories and batteries throughout October to support domestic violence prevention.
  • Awareness campaign. Domestic violence workplace awareness posters are available to businesses free of charge.
  • Donation of a $5,000 grant by Verizon Wireless in support of Kauai YWCA's Family Violence Shelter.

"Verizon Wireless is proud to partner with Kauai County in our efforts to take action against domestic violence and raise awareness of this important social issue," said Tony Simpson, Verizon Wireless regional president. "In addition, through our grant program we will provide support to dedicated Hawaii agencies, such as the Kauai YWCA, for outreach and assistance."

"I'm delighted to see Verizon Wireless partnering with YWCA on such an important program," said Mayor Maryanne Kusaka. "YWCA on Kauai has done a tremendous job raising awareness on this issue. Verizon Wireless brings valuable resources and an impressive corporate stance that will help us do more to protect victims of domestic violence."

Mayor Kusaka has offered the Kauai fire stations to be utilized as points for used cell phone collections. "As always, our firefighters are delighted to be of service to the community," she said.

Phone and Service Donations

The YWCA provides primary counseling and crisis services to victims of domestic violence on Kauai. The 20 wireless phones will be loaned to victims who are in crisis. In the event of a life-threatening situation, pressing a single button on the pre-programmed phone will connect a victim with either a 911 operator or the YWCA's crisis hotline.

"Motorola is pleased to apply its long history in wireless technology to help save lives by donating these phones through the CALL to PROTECT initiative, supported by free service from Verizon Wireless," said Tim Cawley, corporate vice president and general manager, North American Region, Motorola, Inc.

Fire Stations Serve As HopeLineSM Collection Point for Used Wireless Phones

Residents and businesses may participate in the Verizon Wireless HopeLineSM program by dropping off their used wireless phones at the Verizon Wireless store at Kukui Grove Shopping Center or any County fire station throughout October. The collected phones will be sent to a recycling center and enable Verizon Wireless to provide wireless phones and donate airtime to more victims of domestic violence through human services organizations. All makes and models of wireless phones will be accepted, along with accessories and batteries.

Raising Awareness In The Workplace

Domestic violence prevention workplace posters are available to interested businesses free of charge. The posters feature images of women hiding the abuse they suffer and encourage victims to seek assistance by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline to find out about local programs.

"According to the United States Department of Labor, between 17% and 20% of women killed in the workplace are murdered by spouses or boyfriends. Additionally, American companies lose approximately $5 billion every year in increased medical costs associated with battered employees," said Simpson. "We hope that Hawaii businesses will look at these compelling statistics and take action to join with us in giving hope to domestic violence victims," said Simpson. The free posters are available from Verizon Wireless by calling 808-544-8738.

$5,000 Grant Announced

The Kauai YWCA will receive a $5,000 grant from Verizon Wireless. This dedicated Kauai agency is one of five in Hawaii that will receive grants from Verizon Wireless this month. The grants will be used to support a variety of vital services, including support of emergency shelters, outreach to teenagers, assistance with childcare services for victims attending to court matters and a computer system for statewide training of battered women's advocates. (See separate Grant Fact Sheet for full details on agencies, programs and grant amounts.)

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28 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 97 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.

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