ANZ has made a significant contribution to DV Safe Phone, donating $100,000 as the organization celebrates providing its 10,000th phone to victims of domestic violence. DV Safe Phone collects and repurposes mobile phones to assist those in need, ensuring victims remain connected to essential services during crises.
Domestic violence perpetrators often restrict access to communication devices, isolating victims from external support. Supplying a safe phone offers victims a means to break free from coercion and maintain contact with loved ones and support organizations.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that 2.3 million Australian women (one in four) have faced violence from an intimate partner, alongside 693,000 men (one in fourteen).
Janet Liu, ANZ Head of Social Impact and Community Partnerships, stated: “This donation represents another step in our ongoing support for DV Safe Phone. A new phone represents a lifeline and a fresh start for those fleeing dangerous circumstances. We’re proud to come together with DV Safe Phone to help make a critical impact on the lives of those impacted by domestic violence."
Liu added that ANZ supports DV Safe Phone by providing ex-fleet phones and express post envelopes at collection points across Australia for sending pre-owned phones for refurbishment.
Ashton Wood, founder of DV Safe Phone, expressed gratitude: “Each phone represents hope for a better tomorrow. This incredible donation from ANZ means we can get more phones into the right hands. Our goal is to make a phone available to every victim who needs one – a mammoth task we can only accomplish with the support of dedicated volunteers, donors and community partners."
Wood also noted the milestone achievement: “While celebrating this donation from ANZ, we have also proudly sent out our 10,000th phone – a milestone that acknowledges the persistent demand for safe phones but also the incredible support of community partners who believe in this mission as much as we do.”
DV Safe Phone was established in 2020 with the aim of supplying phones to every domestic violence victim requiring one. ANZ has partnered with DV Safe Phone since 2023.