To commence Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month trailblazing Sunshine Coast organisation DV Safe Phone is partnering with Small Steps 4 Hannah to launch The HALT Map – the first google mapping tool for victims of domestic violence to find the care and support that they require in their time of need.
At a small business breakfast hosted by the Kawana Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 3 May, attendees will hear how this revolutionary project will assist in connecting victims of domestic violence to hundreds of front line agencies, charities and safe houses across Australia – including accessing a DV Safe Phone.
DV Safe Phone Founder and CEO, Ashton Wood explained that The HALT Map was an idea formed with Hannah Clarke’s parents, Sue and Lloyd Clarke who set up their own charity organisation – Small Steps 4 Hannah – when their daughter and three grandchildren tragically lost their lives on February 19, 2020.
“The naming of The HALT Map pays homage to Hannah, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey (HALT) and DV Safe Phone is honoured to play a small part in helping Hannah and the children’s legacy shine bright through the lives of those who benefit from this project,” said Mr Wood.
“The HALT Map addresses the absence of a central location where victims can reach out directly for help to find a DV Safe Phone or other support services near them.”
“This google mapping system allows people to find an accredited DV Safe Phone distributer by simply navigating the interactive mapping tool and either zooming into a location, or by clicking to expand the map and select a pin to reveal an agency’s public contact details.”
The site will initially link to more than 50 front line agencies nationally, that have so far distributed more than 2,000 safe phones on behalf of DV Safe Phone. These organisations may also provide crisis care or support hotlines where victims can make that all important first call for help and develop a ‘safe plan’ or ‘escape plan’.
The HALT Map was made possible thanks to seed funding provided by the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation community grant program.
“Small Steps 4 Hannah saw that there was a real gap in delivery of service and we have been delighted to work together with Ashton and the DV Safe Phone team to assist in a practical and simple way of helping victims access emergency and crisis care support,” said Lloyd Clarke.
“We believe the delivery of safe phones directly into the hands of our most vulnerable is a game-changer in attempting to stop this cycle of abuse.”
In addition to The Halt Map being launched DV Safe Phone are also announcing their One Phone, One Life campaign for the month of May encouraging people donate phones to collection points right across the country.
DV Safe Phone also invites all authorised agencies offering front line domestic violence support services that are in need of safe phones for their clients, to become part of our national network of DV Safe Phone distributors available via the above mapping tool.
To find out more about The HALT Map, how to donate phones or to become an authorised distribution agent for DV Safe Phones please visit www.dvsafephone.org
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Media Contact: Helen Perry, Fresh PR & Marketing, 0431 065 964
About DV Safe Phone
DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence (DV) through registered charities, safe houses and authorities serving this vulnerable community. Our Safe Phones are then provided as part of an individual’s ‘safety’ or ‘escape’ plan’ offering a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.
We are a locally established not for profit organisation, based on the Sunshine Coast, working in partnership with law enforcement authorities and a range of registered charities and service providers who provide front line support for this vulnerable community.
YOU too can play a vital role in helping victims of domestic violence, by either gifting your old phone, or helping raise vital funds to further our work. With increasing urgency arising from continued COVID-19 lockdowns – we really need your help!
About Small Steps 4 Hannah
Hannah Clarke and her three children, Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, lost their lives as a result of domestic violence on 19 February 2020.
The Clarke Family wish to honour the memories of their beloved family members by establishing Small Steps 4 Hannah to seek donations from the public and provide much-needed assistance to organisations that promote the prevention or control of domestic violence and relieve the distress of those directly and indirectly affected by such violence.
Support is directed towards organisations who provide education and intervention strategies and programs to prevent or reduce coercive control and domestic violence in Australia, as well as supporting services for persons who have experienced, or are at risk of, coercive control and domestic violence.
