Cumberland City Council donates phones to aid domestic violence victims

Cumberland City Council has donated 45 refurbished mobile phones to assist victims of domestic and family violence through a partnership with DV Safe Phone.

In addition to the initial donation, the council has called on local residents to contribute by dropping off unwanted mobile phones at customer service centres in Merrylands and Auburn, which now serve as official collection points for the initiative.

DV Safe Phone is an organisation that collects, repairs, and redistributes mobile phones at no cost to those escaping domestic violence, working alongside a network of DV agencies, police, hospitals, and safe houses across Australia.

Access to a safe and functional mobile phone can be severely limited by perpetrators, cutting victims off from the outside world and making it difficult to seek assistance. By providing these devices, the programme aims to give victims the opportunity to communicate with support services, maintain contact with loved ones, and potentially make a vital break from coercive control.

Recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlights the scale of the domestic violence crisis. Research found that 2.3 million Australian women—about one in four—have experienced violence by an intimate partner. In 2024 alone, 39 domestic violence-related murders have been reported in New South Wales, emphasising the urgency of ongoing interventions.

"This donation is a small step in the fight against domestic violence. Cumberland should be a place where everyone feels safe in their homes, but when that's not the case, I hope one of these phones can be the difference in saving a life."

This was the statement from Cumberland City Council Mayor Ola Hamed regarding the council's participation in the initiative.

Hamed went on to add, "This is a serious issue and while difficult to talk about, it's something Council is committed to addressing. We are taking every opportunity to ensure our community is supported and knows we are here to help."

The official launch of the initiative saw the involvement of local law enforcement and community officers, including Cumberland Police Area Command's Multicultural Community Liaison Officer, Bosa Jerkovic.

"For domestic violence victims, a mobile phone isn't just a device, it's a lifeline. It provides access to emergency contacts, safety planning tools and a pathway to independence."

DV Safe Phone operates by ensuring donated devices are securely wiped, repaired if necessary, and packaged for discreet distribution via partner organisations. This approach aims to maximise both the safety and the functionality of each device before it reaches its new user.

Cumberland City Council reiterated that its commitment to addressing domestic and family violence extends beyond the phone donation programme. The council actively collaborates with local stakeholders, supports public awareness events, and maintains online resources to broaden access to assistance for those affected.

Members of the public who wish to contribute can do so by visiting the drop-off points at the council's customer service centres. Cumberland City Council continues to promote ways the community can become involved in supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence.