State Of Colorado Partners With Verizon Wireless To Curb Domestic Violence

DENVER, CO — Colorado Governor Bill Owens and Verizon Wireless today announced the launch of the second annual statewide Domestic Violence Prevention Partnership.

"One of the important parts of the partnership is the distribution of wireless phones to victims of domestic violence. This provides victims with one more way to help protect themselves if they are threatened. If you have an old wireless phone, I encourage you to donate it to this cause," said Governor Bill Owens.

The public-private partnership includes a series of initiatives that will benefit victims throughout the state of Colorado, help promote awareness of the issue of domestic violence and help businesses assist employees who are victims of domestic violence. Verizon Wireless will work with the District Attorney's Council to implement these key initiatives.

"Domestic violence is an epidemic. It can impact our neighbors, friends and co-workers," said Marni Walden, regional president, Verizon Wireless. "Through our HopeLineSM program and our continued partnership with the State of Colorado, Verizon Wireless remains committed to assisting victims of domestic violence and helping prevent future assaults."

Launched in 2001, Verizon Wireless' HopeLine program collects used wireless phones and either refurbishes, recycles or sells them. All proceeds are used to award cash grants or wireless phones with airtime to human service and public safety agencies to help victims of abuse.

Partnership elements include:

• A donation of 300 wireless phones with voicemail and pre-paid minutes from Verizon Wireless to the District Attorney's Council, which will then distribute them to victims of domestic violence throughout the state.
• Verizon Wireless HopeLine grants totaling $20,000 awarded to Alternatives to Family Violence in Adams County and to the Morgan County Domestic Violence program, S.H.A.R.E.
• A direct mail campaign that targets Colorado-based companies to raise awareness of domestic violence among both employers and employees.
• A HopeLine collection drive of used wireless phones to benefit victims, with Verizon Wireless retails stores in Colorado as drop-off locations.

"We very much appreciate the partnership between Verizon Wireless, Governor Owens and the District Attorney's Council to provide the link to safety for those often trapped in fear," said Jeanne Smith, District Attorney, 4th Judicial District.

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

####