With police proceeding against almost 98,000 people for family and domestic violence related offences across Australia in 2024–25^[1], Sunshine Coast charity DV Safe Phone has answered this critical call for help by expanding its capacity to process up to four times the current volume of safe phones, providing increased access to practical support for victims.

Founded on the Sunshine Coast in 2020, local charity DV Safe Phone marked a significant milestone last night (Thursday, 22 October) opening its new national headquarters, which will increase its capacity to turn donated mobile phones into practical tools for safety and connection.

In the last six years DV Safe Phone has provided nearly 23,000 Safe Phones through a national network of more than 680 frontline agencies, including domestic and family violence services, police, hospitals and safe houses.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released in March 2026 underscore the ongoing need for this practical support, with the number of people proceeded against for family and domestic violence related offences increasing by 8% in 2024–25 – the largest annual increase since national reporting began in 2019–20.

DV Safe Phone Founder and CEO Ashton Wood said the figures reinforced the importance of practical support for victim-survivors, including access to a phone of their own when perpetrators use technology to threaten, monitor and isolate them.

“For most of us, a mobile phone is something we take for granted. For someone experiencing domestic violence, access to a phone they can use to seek help is critical,” Mr Wood said.

“When a perpetrator controls access to communication, they can also cut someone off from family, friends and support services.

“A safe phone is an important part of a person’s safety plan, helping them stay connected to the people and services supporting them.”

DV Safe Phone’s new headquarters provides much-needed space for additional volunteers and phone testing stations, along with a dedicated repair laboratory for phone technicians.

“Having already moved more than six tonnes of phones through our previous premises, our new facility provides easy, level access for moving large volumes of donated phones in and out, eliminating the need to manually carry heavy loads up and down stairs – a significant improvement in both safety and operational efficiency.”

Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP will attend the opening alongside Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Child Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm MP, and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Sunshine Coast organisation demonstrated how a community initiative could deliver practical support across the country.

“No one experiencing domestic and family violence should be cut off from help because they cannot access a phone,” Mr Bleijie said.

“DV Safe Phone brings government, businesses, volunteers and the community together to address a practical need for people facing incredibly difficult circumstances.

“Holding perpetrators accountable must go hand in hand with practical support for people experiencing domestic and family violence.”

“Our Government’s $1 million commitment over four years supports the delivery of 10,000 Safe Phones to victim-survivors across Queensland through frontline services.”

Mr Wood said government funding, philanthropic investment, corporate partnerships and volunteer support had helped the charity expand, but donated phones remained the focus of its work.

“Every Safe Phone starts with someone deciding to donate a device they no longer need,” he said.

“That phone sitting forgotten in a drawer could help someone contact a support worker, speak to a trusted friend or organise an essential appointment.

“Our new headquarters gives us more room to do this work. The next step is making sure we have the phones and ongoing support to put that capacity to use.”

Australians and businesses can find out how to donate phones or support the charity at dvsafephone.org.

^[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Recorded Crime – Offenders, 2024–25, released 18 March 2026. Police proceeded against 97,800 people for at least one family and domestic violence related offence, an increase of 8% compared with 2023–24.