October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it is definitely a cause that I feel very strongly about. Unfortunately, a friend of mine whom I attended high school with was physically abused by one of her boyfriends.
I can still remember sitting on the floor of the bathroom at school while she confessed to me that some of the bruises she had on her arms and legs had been cause by him. Honestly, I never imagined that anyone I loved would be treated this way and I was at a loss as to how to get her help. One thing I did know is that I had to get her away from him.
Fortunately, my friend had a great support system and was able to remove herself from an abusive and dangerous relationship. Sadly, not all women who find themselves in this situation are so lucky.
This is why it is so important to keep the dialogue going about domestic violence. It is a national problem that impacts our communities, neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members. According to statistics, 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.
You can support victims and survivors of domestic violence by going purple, the color of Domestic Violence Awareness. This October, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, visit any Verizon store or go online to purchase exclusive purple accessories, like a headset, phone or tablet case, and HopeLine® from Verizon will donate $1, up to $100,000, to the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Another way you can take action is by helping HopeLine reach its goal of 1 million phone donations by the end of 2015. Simply drop off your wireless phones, chargers and accessories, from any carrier, at a Verizon store and help support victims and survivors of domestic violence.
For more information, visit Verizon’s HopeLine program and round up all your old cell phones and accessories to donate to HopeLine. You can donate at a Verizon Wireless Store near you and let your generosity serve as a vital link for survivors and help keep a private line of communication to family, friends and employers.
Let’s Discuss: What can you do to support survivors of domestic violence or raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/HopeLine from Verizon. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Great giveaway in support of a great cause. I have tons of old phones and accessories I can donate to help out and will drop them off at a local Version store! Thank you for the info!
I am a survivor of domestic violence. I urge everyone that suspects a relative, friend, coworker, etc., is in an abusive relationship to take the time and talk to that person. Listen to their silent cries for help. Whether it be a sudden change in a routine, onset of depression, or excuses to not participate with others- ask. Make yourself present and willing to be a support system. Don’t judge. I had victim advocates not give up on me and I eventually got myself and my children to a safe place. It has been over 12 years and I am thankful every day that we were able to build a better life. Don’t turn your head or ignore what you suspect- it may save a life.
The reason donating phones is important is because even without the SIM card, as long as a phone turns on, they are required to work to dial 911. This gives women who find themselves in a shelter situation the ability to call for emergency services even without a cell phone plan.
A good idea is to save hotel toiletries to donate to women’s shelters. I used to work for a law enforcement agency with a state domestic violence prosecutor who would collect toiletries (mostly from hotels) and donate them regularly. Used books are also good to donate, especially for children. Always good to check with the shelters on what they need.
Domestic violence needs to STOP. I don’t understand it at all – I would never let anyone treat me like that.
Donate to Our local YWCA. They are always in need of items. My aunt was at one that made it a very nice Christmas even under the circumstances
I support by donating goods to local shelters. Also volunteering to help out the shelters goes a long way.
I can support domestic violence by donating to fundraisers or participating in walks for the cause. There are so many organizations that help women and men victims to get their lives together. I can volunteer for them or buy purple products from Verizon. I can also participate in Verizon’s HopeLine program and donate my old phone.
I know we have some old phones we could donate. I’ve also donated toys before to kids affected by domestic violence – like when they have to leave home suddenly and can’t take their toys with them.
I find it’s important to learn the signs of domestic abuse so that you can help those around you when they need it.
I donate money and goods to those in need. I wear purple to show my support to those who are affected by domestic abuse.
You can donate needed items to your local domestic violence shelter. My best friend is the director of a domestic violence center and you can even participate in the walks, candlelight vigils and other events they sponsor to support and raise awareness of breaking the silence!
I try to stay updated on domestic abuse signs, so I can help those who may need it.
It’s so sad how much domestic violence exists. I support this cause by donating clothing and personal care items to our local women’s shelter. I will have to add a purple ribbon to my jacket along with my pink for breast cancer awareness.
You can talk to women you know who seem to be in a bad relationship. The laws in some states such as mine, Colorado make women NOT want to call police because of the harsh consequences to themselves and their children and this needs to be changed.
Domestic violence is such a problem for so many people, and often we don’t even know. I am glad to do anything to raise money and awareness to help those who are affected.
It is important to report it if you see it. It is an issue we must all stand together. We must also remember that it affects both males and females.
I donate my old cell phones to the women’s shelters for women who need them. They don’t always have access to phones to call for help or to let loved ones know they’re OK.
I’ve never heard of Hopeline, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s one more feather in the cap of Verizon. Love that company! And love how they give back like this!
This is a cause close to my heart as well and it’s great to know people are getting behind charities and supporting them in this important work.
I have a couple of old cell phones hanging around–and there are more then a couple of Verizon stores near me–guess where I will be stopping by this weekend!
I didn’t know that October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I have a few old phones I can donate.
I can help raise awareness by donating to the Hopeline. I can also look for the signs of abuse in friends and family members and make sure to help those around me in need.
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I think it’s a good idea to be open with your friends. Friends should be able to reach out to each other when they’re experiencing domestic violence.
I know someone who was a victim of domestic violence. I think education, providing safe housing and counseling and other tools is important in stopping this.
I know someone going through this and I do not know what to do because they won’t listen to me. It is heartbreaking.
Watching my mom go through some horrendous domestic violence situations when I was growing up, I am glad that this is an issue more people are talking about and trying to put an end to. This is such an amazing campaign, I hope they reach their 1 million goal!
These look like great products. It is so important to raise awareness for domestic violence.
We donate to the local women’s shelter every few weeks. It is so important to help when you can. Buying these products is a great way to help.
I used to help year round by volunteering my time at the domestic violence shelter. I couldn’t work with the people because I had to have training, but I did do the office work once a week for years. It is a good cause to help, for the women, and for the children they oftentimes have with them.
I am going to participate in a 5K to raise awareness and funds for domestic violence!
We do have a women’s shelter in our town. Our church group collects personal items and donates during the year.
I am glad to hear that this is being offered by Verizon. I was a victim of domestic abuse many many years ago with my ex-husband. .
So sad to hear about your friend. It’s a lot more common I think than any of us realize, so this is a huge deal. I am so glad there is awareness being raised for this great cause, the violence needs to stop. This is great.
My daughter was a victim of domestic violence. It was a good thing she realized right away that she could live a better life without him. This should stop and I’m glad Verizon is helping raise awareness.
I can donate money for the cause as well as talk to my daughters and other young ladies about domestic violence and what to do if it happens to them, or someone they know. Thank you for the chance.
No one must go through this awful experience. It is just sad that there are still some people who put up with the abuse. We should go out and speak up. Put an end to domestic violence!
Domestic violence is the worst thing which has been happening every where around the world these days. And, this is such a great giveaway to support an important cause something which we all should stand for.
My mother and I help out at local shelters on our days off work.
I can donate clothing and money to out local shelter to help out!
Best way to help is to promote awareness, to report people who abuse and give support to the victims!
What I can do to support survivors of domestic violence and raise awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to be a kind and compassionate human being. I can also learn more myself about the issue and share with others.
I would encourage women to show respect for themselves either through education, hobbies, friendships etc so as not to attract an abuser who preys on women with low self esteem. My father was an abuser. My mother had low self esteem because of the way she was treated growing up. Parents need to be nice to their children and they will pick people nice to them as spouses. My mother didn’t see the signs even though all her family members warned her about him.
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In addition to sharing this post, I also donate various items to our local shelters and organizations throughtout the year. I recognize the need for awareness and have been in a bad situation myself so helpig these women is important to me.
I can support survivors of domestic violence by donating items or money to local groups who support these woman.
I believe there are ways to help by donating.
I am a survivor of domestic violence and have helped several individuals in the community to escape their current situations as they were also victims of domestic violence. I have also done public speaking on domestic violence and will continue to do so.
I can support victims of domestic abuse by donating and offering help to those in need.
I can speak out against domestic violence. Also I can donate to a great cause. My daughter belongs to a high school club that raises money and clothing items for domestic violence survivors.
We have donated clothes and personal items to this cause.
I can donate to women’s shelters and church groups.
I was a victim of domestic violence. I was a lucky one to get out and survive.We need to know the signs, and help people in these situations.
I can support them by donating money and other essentials to my local women’s shelter.
I don’t personally understand it, I’ve never been in that situation. However, support is very much needed and we donate to women’s shelters that reach out to help those in need.
I have donated nice clothing to our local shelter.
We can donate our old phones and reach out to local women shelters to donate care packages. We can also talk to those we think may be victims and help them out in whatever way possible.
Donate old phones. Also, there are apps and online text support systems for domestic violence victims.