The University of Idaho and Verizon Wireless are supporting the fight against domestic violence by introducing UHopeLine, a wireless phone recycling program.
UHopeLine aims to increase awareness about dating violence, provide scholarship money for students studying domestic violence prevention and encourage college students to help the environment by recycling their old wireless devices.
UHopeLine collection bins can be found in the Student Union Building and the Idaho Commons year round. All wireless phones are accepted. The phones will either be refurbished and sold for re-use or thrown away in an environmentally friendly way. Batteries and phone accessories of any condition are accepted.
UHopeLine is an expansion of the HopeLine program. Verizon launched the HopeLine phone recycling program nationwide in October 2001, based on the 23.6 percent of women and 11.5 percent of men who have reported at least one lifetime event of intimate partner violence. With these statistics, Verizon recognized that domestic violence is a national problem and that wireless resources are natural tools to help.
Verizon also donates wireless phones — complete with wireless service and other features — to victims of domestic violence. These phones can be served as a vital link to emergency contacts or a safe connection to employers, family and friends.
“We believe it is everyone’s business to prevent domestic violence,” said Bobby Morrison, Verizon Wireless Pacific Northwest regional president. “Colleges, companies and citizens can all play a role by shining a light on the problem and ensuring survivors get help.”
The UHopeLine program provides scholarship money to students studying domestic violence prevention. The UI college that will receive the $25,000 scholarship has yet to be determined, said Mindy Means, associate director of corporate and foundation relations.
“Violence prevention professionals and victim advocates require high-level preparation,” said Bruce Pitman, dean of students. “Their educational preparation must take place at the intersections of criminal justice, social work and counseling. This is complex and difficult work that is based in experience and strong academic preparation. Unfortunately, we need many well prepared professionals to do this work.”
Means said UI President M. Duane Nellis was on a leadership tour last summer when he met Verizon Vice President of Public Affairs, Policy and Communications Milt Doumit. She said the two began to talk and about the programs at UI about domestic violence. When Nellis came back, he talked to corporate communications, requested a proposal, answered questions regarding why the institution deserved funds, and it was accepted.
Domestic violence toward women ages 15 to 44 in the United States is the greatest cause of injury, more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Domestic violence effects one in every four women.
“Domestic violence is an issue that affects many,” Nellis said. “The University of Idaho is proud to partner with Verizon Wireless in this important initiative to help victims of domestic violence, and to educate future domestic violence prevention professionals.”
Emily Aizawa can be reached at[email protected]