Devastatingly, new data from domestic violence support charity shows demand for help is showing no signs of slowing down, with a 29 per cent increase in people helped by their services since this time last year.
In this digitally dependent society, sadly technology is often used to control and manipulate victims of domestic violence, with mobile phones commonly misused by perpetrators for tracking via spyware or location services. In fact, shockingly, over half (57 per cent) of DV victims report their phones and text messages are checked without their consent ‘all the time’.
Almost every Australian relies on a smartphone in everyday life, from phone calls and text messages to health tracking and digital payments.
Being without access to a safe, private smartphone makes it increasingly challenging for victims of domestic violence to break the cycle of abuse. In fact, over two in three (70 per cent) women who experienced abuse had never separated from a violent partner, often due to financial dependency and a lack of independence because of coercive control.
As a domestic violence survivor, Lauren recalls, “I eventually realised that my abuser was monitoring my emails, text messages and social media accounts. He once told me he had put cameras in the house so he would know if I had anyone there. I was certain he was tracking me. He knew where I was all the time.”
Domestic violence affects a staggering one in four (27 per cent) Australian women and one in eight (12 per cent) Australian men.
Ashton Wood, founder and chief executive officer of not-for-profit DV Safe Phone said the provision of a safe smartphone is not simply a means of communication but an essential lifeline to help DV victims break the cycle and exit an abusive relationship safely.
With over 22.3 million redundant mobile phones gathering dust in drawers and cupboards, ending up in landfill, DV Safe Phone is on a mission to give them, and DV victims, a new life by supplying them to domestic violence agencies across Australia.
Ashton said, “Since we began, we have repaired, repurposed and gifted over 10,000 mobile phones to domestic violence victims through our agency partners (DV agencies, police stations, hospitals and safe houses) across the country.”
Lauren adds; “Receiving a DV Safe Phone would have made an enormous difference to me in both the lead up to exiting the relationship and the aftermath. Cutting off his controlling tools was vital, and a protected phone would have helped me regain some agency and move forward safely.”
Ashton said, “While DV Safe Phone has already provided support to over 10,000 people, we’re actively seeking the support of businesses to partner with, who can supply unused technology to increase our capabilities. For every phone we distribute, a victim gains a crucial tool to reach out for help, connect with loved ones, and take steps towards rebuilding their life.”
Participation from businesses helps to open conversations in the workplace and helps break down the barriers that often prevent survivors from seeking help, showing them that they are not alone.
It also allows for a broader conversation on how workplaces can offer support and resources to those in need.
Ashton said, “One way to support DV victims is to encourage your workplace to actually talk about it. Organisations by law now need to have a domestic violence policy and provide leave to staff experiencing domestic violence. By participating in the 16 Days of Activism and donating old phones to DV Safe Phone, businesses can help to ensure that every call for help is heard, and not only that, but it can also be a starting point for discussing domestic violence support in a compassionate and non-triggering manner in the workplace.”
Businesses can make a real impact this 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence (25 November – 10 December).
DV Safe Phone, is encouraging individuals to speak to decision makers at their workplace to champion safety and awareness for domestic violence victims and taking the opportunity to fulfil ESG commitments, while creating a safe place for understanding and support for domestic violence in the workplace.
To find out more about how individuals and workplaces can get involved, head to dvsafephone.org
