Verizon and Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition enter new partnership to end domestic violence

Nebraska domestic violence prevention advocates will learn how to use the latest technology to help keep abuse survivors safe, thanks to a new partnership between the Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition (NDVSAC) and Verizon.

Funded through a $10,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, the new program will offer face-to-face and web-based seminars designed to educate domestic violence advocates throughout Nebraska on the use of cutting-edge technology. They will then share this critical information with domestic violence survivors, support groups and law enforcement officials in their communities.

"The Coalition is pleased to partner with Verizon, a corporate leader in supporting innovative solutions to end domestic violence," said Lynne Lange, NDVSAC's executive director. " It is critical that we help educate advocates on the ground to harness the benefits of technology and increase their capacity to serve victims and survivors."

Providing more resources for those advocates who directly work with the survivors of domestic violence, makes sense for Verizon, according to Seamus Hyland, president–Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. "This initiative will enable victims and survivors throughout Nebraska to become familiar with the latest communications tools," said Hyland.

"I applaud the Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition (NDVSAC) and Verizon for coming together to provide survivors with life-saving information," said Attorney General Jon Bruning. "Partnerships like these make a positive impact on the communities they serve."

Verizon Wireless has supported domestic violence awareness and prevention efforts over the last decade through the company's award-winning HopeLine® phone recycling program.  Through HopeLine, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories, in any condition, from any wireless service provider. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. All proceeds benefit non-profit shelters and organizations that focus on domestic violence awareness and prevention. Over the last five years, Nebraskans have donated more then 25,000 phones to HopeLine and since the program began more then 7 million phones have been recycled or refurbished.