Phila. Police Reminder: Donate Old Cell Phones for Domestic Abuse Victims
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Reminding you not to throw away your old cell phone when you upgrade, the Philadelphia Police Department says used cell phones are a lifeline for domestic abuse victims.
Domestic violence is one of the most frequently reported crimes in Philadelphia. Police say they get about 100,000 calls each year related to domestic abuse -- more than 300 a day.
Though it's a thorny problem with complex solutions, Katie Young-Wildes of Women Against Abuse says one easy way to help is to give victims cell phones.
"These phones serve as a vital lifeline for help and allow survivors to safely reconnect to loved ones that their abusive partner had pushed away as part of the cycle of power, control, and isolation inherent to domestic violence," she said today.
And Young-Wildes (second from right in top photo) says any phone will do. Those that aren't directly donated are safely disposed of or sold to raise money for the effort. You can turn in your old phone at any Verizon store or Philadelphia police station.
