Verizon and California Partnership to End Domestic Violence Launch Program to Help Victims Protect Themselves by Using Technology

California domestic violence prevention advocates will learn how to use the latest technology to help keep abuse survivors safe, thanks to a new program created by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (CPEDV) and Verizon.

The program, funded by a $130,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, is designed to teach domestic violence advocates about the use of new technology.  Armed with the latest tools, advocates will be able to pass on the information to survivors, support groups and law enforcement in their communities. 

On Friday (Aug. 7), approximately 50 domestic violence prevention advocates from across the state, along with Assemblymember Sandré Swanson and representatives from Verizon and the National Network to End Domestic Violence, gathered at the Oakland Conference Center to take part in a check presentation for $130,000 to CPEDV in support of the program.

"The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is pleased to partner with Verizon, a corporate leader in supporting innovative solutions to end domestic violence," said Tara Shabazz, CPEDV's executive director. "This initiative provides our advocates the latest life-saving information to share with victims in their community."

As technology advances, it is increasingly important for victims of domestic violence and their advocates to be familiar with the latest communications tools, according to Elva Lima, Verizon's vice president, strategic programs.

"Verizon is committed to using our resources and the latest technology to address the issues that are critical to the well-being of our communities," Lima said. "This initiative will enable victims and survivors of abuse to use technology as a powerful tool to seek help and stay safe."

Assemblymember Swanson said: "With state programs serving domestic violence organizations being severely curtailed in the latest round of state budget cuts, this initiative comes at a critical time. I applaud the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence and Verizon for stepping up at a time when support services for victims of abuse are in jeopardy. It's Verizon's proven commitment to community partnerships like these that make a difference."

Verizon supports the survivors of domestic violence through a myriad of programs, including Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® program. Through the program, Verizon Wireless collects no-longer-used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider.  Proceeds generated from the phones collected by HopeLine are put toward wireless phones and service for survivors of domestic violence as well as financial grants to nonprofit domestic violence advocacy agencies.  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

The Verizon Foundation supports the advancement of literacy and K-12 education through its free educational Web site, Thinkfinity.org, and fosters awareness and prevention of domestic violence.  In 2008, the Verizon Foundation awarded more than $68 million in grants to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad.  It also matched the charitable donations of Verizon employees and retirees, resulting in an additional $26 million in combined contributions to nonprofits.  Through Verizon Volunteers, one of the nation's largest employee volunteer programs, Verizon employees and retirees have volunteered more than 3 million hours of community service since 2000. For more information on the foundation, visit www.verizonfoundation.org.

About CPEDV
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence is California's statewide domestic violence coalition, with over 200 member organizations and individuals. Working at the local, state and national levels for more than 25 years, the California Partnership has a long track record of successfully passing over 100 pieces of legislation on behalf of battered women and their children.  As the unified voice for California's domestic violence agencies, CPEDV provides statewide leadership on public policy issues, offers training and technical assistance to domestic violence service providers and promotes public awareness through community outreach efforts. With offices in Sacramento, CPEDV's member programs span the entire state.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 87 million customers nationwide.  Verizon's Wireline operations provide converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network.  Wireline also includes Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 235,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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