Verizon Wireless Combats Domestic Violence With YWCA Omaha

Verizon Wireless Combats Domestic Violence With YWCA Omaha

Company Seeks to Increase Awareness of YWCA Omaha Women Against Violence Hotline

November 6, 2001

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OMAHA, NE

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More than 30,000 families in the greater Omaha area are affected by domestic violence on any given day, according to the Metropolitan Omaha Medical Society. Sobering statistics like this one are the motivation behind an initiative led by Verizon Wireless to increase public awareness of the YWCA Omaha Women Against Violence Hotline, a local number in the greater Omaha area that connects battered women to services. The number is 1-402-345-7273. Callers within the Omaha local calling region can just dial 345-7273.

Verizon Wireless has joined with YWCA Omaha to combat domestic violence in the greater Omaha area. In addition, Verizon Wireless has donated 75 reconditioned wireless phones to YWCA Omaha for use by domestic violence victims to call 911 in emergency situations.

The public service campaign consists of radio announcements that will air beginning Nov. 5 on KEFM radio and powerful posters displayed in women's restrooms provided by Next Media/AJ Indoor that will appear in 25 locations per month through Dec. 31 in the greater Omaha area. Additional locations will be provided based on space availability.

"Verizon Wireless is dedicated to domestic violence awareness and prevention," said Rich Garwood, president, Great Plains Region of Verizon Wireless. "We hope this campaign for the greater Omaha crisis line will spread the word to those who need help."

YWCA Omaha's 24-hour hotline received nearly 7,000 calls concerning domestic violence last year. The agency's additional direct services, such as safety planning and counseling for domestic violence, served nearly 9,000 people including victims, abusers and children in abusive households, plus teens in abusive dating relationships.

"Although our hotline helps thousands of women and their families, we know there are many more we're not reaching because they don't know about this service," said Peg Harriott, executive director of YWCA Omaha. "We are especially pleased these posters will be displayed in women's restrooms because bathrooms are often the only place that provide the safety and privacy for victims to find out help is available."

The YWCA Omaha Women Against Violence Hotline is 1-402-345-7273.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless communications provider in the U.S. with more than 28.7 million wireless voice and data customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD), including Bell Atlantic Mobile, AirTouch Cellular and GTE Wireless. Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.