Catholic Healthcare Partners with DV Safe Phone to Help Keep Victims of Domestic Violence Safe

Domestic violence (DV) poses a growing risk to the wellbeing of approximately 4.2 million Australian adults (21 per cent, or one in five) who have experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse from a partner.* Catholic Healthcare takes pride in partnering with the national not-for-profit charity DV Safe Phone to donate old mobile phones, helping to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing DV.

DV Safe Phone collects, repairs and distributes free mobile phones to victims of domestic violence through a nationwide network of DV agencies, police stations, hospitals and safe houses.

‘I am proud that Catholic Healthcare is supporting this incredible program. One mobile phone can be the difference between a life and death situation, and to be able to provide more lifelines for those in need is deeply rewarding,’ said Catholic Healthcare CEO Josh McFarlane.

Catholic Healthcare IT employee Alison Mitchell proposed the initiative to donate unused mobile phones to DV Safe Phone, which reflects the company's values of compassion and courage.

‘What I like about the DV Safe Phone program is that it provides domestic violence victims with recycled phones free from any previous tracking risks, connecting them to family and safety,’ said Alison.

Catholic Healthcare has nine donation boxes located at various sites including the Macquarie Park head office and in residential aged care homes in Wahroonga, Norwest, Casula, New Lambton, Dubbo, Unanderra, Eastern Heights, and Surry Hills.

Ashton Wood, CEO and Founder DV Safe Phone is excited to have a new phone collection partner in NSW.

‘Our service provides hope to DV victims across Australia, and it’s fantastic to welcome Catholic Healthcare as a trusted partner in our mission to ensure that every call for help is heard,’ said Ashton.

Catholic Healthcare urges other organisations to join the DV Safe Phone program to support those in danger of domestic violence as well as the environment through the reduction of electronic waste.

To learn more about DV Safe Phone and how you can make a difference, please visit www.dvsafephone.org

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*(2021-22 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).