A domestic abuse charity in Salford admits they are desperate for old mobile phones to help keep domestic abuse victims safe.
A video appeal has been published across Survivor Project’s social media asking people to look through their drawers for old mobiles that could help abuse victims escape from unsafe situations.
A charity spokesperson said in the appeal on Facebook: “We are in a desperate situation where we have women who do not have access to a mobile because it has been smashed, broken or taken in by the police as evidence.
“We can help with clothing or food but when it comes to having a mobile, it is so important. Everything is online with forms and getting hold of people. We’re asking people to look through drawers, it’s the difference between someone being able to pick the phone up and speaking to the police. Even if it’s an old Nokia, we appreciate it.”
The Salford charity helps victims to try and break the cycle of domestic abuse through appealing for other items, such as clothes and washing machines, to help those in difficult circumstances deal with the reality of being in an abusive relationship.
Survivor Project celebrated its 10th birthday in July and has helped over 12,000 people to live free from abuse.
Jane Gregory, CEO of the Survivor Project said: “We’ve been running for 10 years now and what we find more and more is that people need access to the internet and mobile phones.
“Sometimes in an abusive relationship the phone could get smashed or stolen and you become more isolated because it’s harder to access services without one.
“When you’re more isolated, you’re more likely to go to an abuser”
According to research by GiffGaff, there are 55 million unused mobile phones in the UK and Manchester has 193,000 of them.
“You forget about old phones when you get a new one, people find them in drawers. If you get put in temporary housing away from home and have no way of contacting people then you need a phone.”
In Greater Manchester, 36 per cent of all violent crime reported to the police entails domestic abuse. The Salford Domestic Abuse Commissioning Strategy has recently ended and a finalised version will be published in the coming months.
Salford Survivor Project Helpline is open 10am-10pm every day on 0161 706 0468.
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