Verizon Wireless Donates 25 Phones To YWCA of Greenwich, Connecticut, Domestic Abuse Services

STAMFORD, CT — Verizon Wireless has donated 25 wireless phones and phone service to YWCA of Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services.

The donation is part of HopeLine^SM, Verizon Wireless' national program that distributes no-longer-used wireless phones to victims of domestic violence, supports non-profit domestic violence advocacy groups and provides an environmentally friendly method for recycling phones.

"The HopeLine Phone Recycling program is an easy way for people to support local domestic violence organizations that help women re-build their lives when they decide to leave abusive relationships," said Bob Stott, president of Verizon Wireless' New England Region. "Domestic violence does not discriminate. It's in our neighborhoods and workplaces, and we need to shed light on the magnitude of this social problem."

"We appreciate Verizon Wireless' understanding of the scope of domestic violence and their support that has enabled countless numbers of victims feel safer and less isolated knowing that help is just a phone call away," said Katryn Doud, Director of YWCA of Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services. The only domestic violence program in the Town of Greenwich, Domestic Abuse Services provides confidential services to adult victims and their children.

Services include a 24-hour hotline, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, safety planning, support groups, criminal and civil court advocacy, information and referrals, community education and counseling and advocacy for children affected by domestic violence.

As a result of HopeLine and related phone recycling programs the company has organized since 1995, Verizon Wireless has collected more than one million used wireless phones for the benefit of domestic violence victims and advocacy groups. Last year, the company donated over $3.7 million in monetary and other contributions to domestic violence shelters and prevention programs. All Verizon Wireless stores throughout the country, including 20 locations in Connecticut, accept donations of used wireless phones from any carrier. Verizon Wireless recycles, refurbishes or sells the phones for parts; then donates working phones and proceeds to domestic violence shelters. The company also donates voicemail boxes to shelters to give women a discreet way of receiving messages from potential landlords, employers and from family members. The nationally ranked Verizon Wireless Women's Cycling Team donates 100% of their prize money to HopeLine programs.

For a woman who remains in, or who has recently left, an abusive relationship, a wireless phone is a lifeline in an emergency situation. Statistically, women are most at risk for injury or fatality when their abuser discovers they intend to leave. According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a woman is physically assaulted every nine seconds in the United States, and for every reported case of domestic violence, it is likely that another two go unreported. Connecticut's statewide domestic violence hotline number is 1-888-774-2900.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 37.5 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com.

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