Support domestic violence victims: donate old company phones this May
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Unused company phones can be a lifeline for domestic violence survivors. This DV Prevention Month, your business can make a difference by donating to DV Safe Phone.
Every business has the power to make a real difference in the lives of domestic violence victims in Australia, and it’s as simple as clearing out your office drawers.
One in five Australian women have been stalked according to recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 78% of these women have been subjected to unwanted digital contact through phones, emails, and social media, this is known as technology-facilitated abuse or TFA. In Victoria alone, reports of TFA have soared by over 650% in just five years, mirroring a national trend that experts warn could touch half of all Australians in their lifetime. These figures demonstrate the pervasiveness of Australia’s TFA crisis and the importance of helping more domestic violence victims get access to safe and secure communications.
Australian organisations regularly upgrade their mobile devices, creating a unique opportunity to turn these retired devices into a lifeline for domestic violence victims.
This month is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and MobileMuster, Australia’s product stewardship program for mobile phones managed by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), is partnering with DV Safe Phone, an not-for-profit organisation that collects, repairs and redistributes mobile phones to domestic violence victims. During May they are partnering and asking companies to ‘Answer the Call’ and donate their old phones. Their goal this year is to support nearly three million domestic violence victims, empowering them to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.
“As a business, donating old phones is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to make a difference,” says Louise Hyland, CEO of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) and MobileMuster. “Phone donations enable DV Safe Phone to get mobile devices into the hands of those who need them most, while ensuring that any phones that cannot be repurposed are recycled with MobileMuster.”
Ashton Wood, Founder and CEO of DV Safe Phone, said, “A safe phone is more than just a device; it’s a gateway to freedom. It allows domestic violence victims to seek help without fear of surveillance or control by their abuser. This month, we’re urging businesses to clear out old devices and donate them to DV Safe Phone, enabling more people to reconnect and start again.”
“Security is a top concern for businesses, which is why all donated devices are thoroughly checked to ensure they are deregistered and factory reset before being repurposed,” continues Ashton. “If a device is still signed in, DV Safe Phone works directly with the donor to securely wipe or responsibly recycle it.””
Not every phone can be rehomed, but the partnership ensures all devices unsuitable for reuse are recycled through MobileMuster’s accredited program, recovering valuable materials and keeping hazardous waste out of landfill. This supports a circular economy, reduces e-waste, and aligns with corporate ESG goals.
The donation process is straightforward:
- Collect unused, working mobile phones from across your business.
- Ensure devices are deregistered and reset (MobileMuster provides easy online guidance).
- Arrange your donation via https://dvsafephone.org/. If a device cannot be repurposed, it’s sent for recycling.
- For old or non-working phones, order a free MobileMuster collection box for your office at https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/workplaces/
“This is a practical, high-impact way for Australian businesses to drive both environmental and social outcomes. We encourage all organisations to get involved and be part of the solution,” adds Louise Hyland.
MobileMuster is donating $30,000 to help DV Safe Phone expand their reach, allowing hundreds more victims to access a lifeline. Since its inception, DV Safe Phone has distributed more than 12,000 phones through a network of more than 420 agencies nationwide.
By acting this Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, your business can make a meaningful difference, transforming unused devices into a source of hope and safety for Australians who need it most.
