Council dials in to program helping DV survivors

Lake Macquarie City Council is helping throw a lifeline to survivors of domestic violence via a mobile phone donation program.

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The DV Safe Phones initiative provides donated phones to domestic violence survivors, through the locally based Survivors R Us charity.

Survivors R Us founder Ann-Maria Martin said many survivors had their phones damaged, confiscated or monitored by their abuser, leaving them isolated and unable to reach out for help.

“By providing a safe, clean phone, we’re giving them a secure way to contact emergency services, support networks, and essential services,” she said.

“It’s more than just a phone – it’s a tool for safety, connection, and rebuilding independence.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz handed over more than 90 phones on Monday 8 September, collected by Council for the program.

“It is a small gesture, but it can have huge benefits for domestic violence survivors,” he said.

“Domestic violence is a scourge on our community and we must do everything we can to put a stop to it.”

Ms Martin said providing a phone often empowered survivors to “take that first, critical step towards safety and recovery”.

“When someone presents in need, particularly those fleeing violence or living in transitional housing, we can discreetly provide them with a phone on the spot,” she said.

“We also offer guidance on how to use the phone safely, especially if privacy or security is a concern.”

Mayor Adam urged others in the community to donate old and unwanted phones to the program.

“Most people have at least one or two old phones sitting in a drawer gathering dust,” he said.

“This is a great way to put them to use and help a very worthy cause.”

Unwanted, working mobile phones can be donated at Swansea, Charlestown and Toronto libraries or at the Cameron Park community centre.

Local organisations can register with DV Safe phones to become a distributor of phones to clients by contacting the DV Safe Phones program.