Supporting the victims of domestic violence
Coventry City Council has partnered with Lenovo, CDW, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid and Panahghar to distribute mobile handsets to the survivors of domestic violence in the city.
A total of 36 Motorola handsets will be distributed by Haven and Panahghar. The devices will be given to directly to the victims and families that these two charities work with.
Many victims of domestic abuse often enter the charities care without access to phones or digital devices. This in turn makes it difficult for the survivors to get started in their new life.
Explaining the importance of such devices, Jas Uppal Partnerships and Networking Officer for Panahghar said: “People rely on access to devices to allow them to live independently and get the support they need. We have limited capacity as a charity to obtain such devices for our service users and greatly appreciate any support we receive to bridge that gap.
“It is massively important that our service users are able to access support in this digital age and we limit the disadvantageous consequences of digital exclusion.”
Seto Sullivan, Senior Manager for Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, agrees with those comments. She said: “Women and children that are in our service often have left their homes with little or no belongings.
“It’s hugely beneficial to be able to offer these devices to our service users. Not only will these devices help them with everyday things such as job hunting, but they’ll also help them in their personal lives by letting them connect with their family and friends. “
The partnership is part of a Council initiative which aims to reduce digital poverty and exclusion in the city. Residents can also access the National Databank to receive sim cards pre-loaded with texts, calls and data.
The initiative, which is called #CovConnects, aims to support residents to stay connected online by providing digital devices and skills sessions to disadvantaged groups.
Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources for Coventry City Council said, “We all know how essential the internet has become to our everyday lives. From filling in job applications online to contacting friends and family, access to the internet helps us to live full and independent lives
“The #CovConnects initiative is all about breaking down barriers in our community. We’re working to ensure that Coventry residents can get access to the digital world regardless of their background and past experiences.
“We’d like to hear from any charity or organisation who has service users who would benefit from our support. Please get in touch with us by emailing CovConnectsDigital@coventry.gov.uk”
If you have been victim of sexual assault or abuse in Coventry, please contact the Police on 101 or 999 if your life is in immediate danger. More details about the support available for victims can be found on the Safe to Talk website.