Verizon Foundation Supports New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Technology Safety Program

The Verizon Foundation has awarded a $39,000 grant to the New York State Coalition against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV) in support of its Technology Safety Train-the-Trainer program.

The program trains domestic violence advocates to instruct domestic violence survivors on ways to protect themselves in a technological world and how to use technology to support domestic violence prevention programs and shelters. 

The program also will support instructional sessions that teach domestic violence advocates how to best use technology to protect domestic violence victims' identities and locations.  The advocates will be trained in the safe use of a range of technologies including Internet safety generally, cell phones, social networking sites and global positioning systems.  Upcoming sessions will be held in Buffalo on Dec. 3 and in Syracuse on Dec. 4.  The sessions provide participants with training and materials to share with their agencies and to train additional staff. 

"The Technology Safety project focuses on recognizing how those who commit domestic violence abuse technology, and on imbuing survivors and advocates with knowledge on how to best protect a survivor's privacy," said Patti Jo Newell, NYSCADV acting chief executive officer.  "We are proud to partner with Verizon, with its proven record of supporting efforts to prevent and eliminate domestic violence."

Verizon Vice President of Government and External Affairs Susanna Zwerling said, "Verizon has a long-standing commitment to supporting and protecting victims of domestic violence.  The Technology Safety program will help keep these victims safe in the burgeoning technological world."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications, 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.

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 89 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 230,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $97 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (Coalition) is a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to eradicate domestic violence and to ensure the provision of effective and appropriate services to victims of domestic violence through community outreach, education, training, technical assistance and policy development. The Coalition's principles and practices prioritize the safety and concerns of women who are abused, provide support and encouragement for the participation of women who are abused in the struggle to eradicate personal and institutional violence against them, and provide for a non-competitive atmosphere that fosters open communication, respect, and cooperation among advocates and women who are abused.

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