October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, also known as intimate partner violence. We at TCC and TCC Gives use the month to bring awareness to this issue that’s more prevalent than you might think.
National Statistics
In one year, more than 10 million women and men will be physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is often thought as a problem affecting only women, but that’s completely incorrect – 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 and older have been a victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime in the United States. The highest rates of intimate partner violence are experienced by women ages 18 to 34. Most female victims of intimate partner violence were previously victimized by the same offender. Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline. Click here to see more statistics about a variety of areas regarding intimate partner violence on thehotline.org.
More Than a Phone
The TCC Gives program More Than a Phone actively works to help domestic violence survivors. This program keeps these survivors safely and securely connected by partnering with local shelters and providing free smartphones and data service. Phones are a way an abuser can easily control a partner. Phones from MTaP give a survivor freedom and allows them to take back control in their own life. They’re able to stay connected with their loved ones, jobs, doctors, bank accounts, and more – plus they can live their life without having their location tracked.
You’re able to help More Than a Phone by donating your old smartphones at any TCC Verizon location! All of our stores accept smartphone donations and will refurbish them to give to a domestic violence survivor.
During October, we’re selling employee-designed t shirts so you can show your support and bring awareness to this issue. All proceeds will support More Than a Phone. Check them out here and here.
Click the links to learn all about More Than a Phone and TCC Gives. Plus, connect with them on Facebook for even more updates. Visit the TCC Gives page and the More Than a Phone page.
If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, you can call the hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website here to chat live and have access to more resources.