DV Safe Phone
DV Safe Phone is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that collects donated mobile phones, refurbishes them, and distributes the devices to people experiencing domestic and family violence through frontline support agencies. Independent media coverage has described the organisation’s work as addressing technology-facilitated abuse, particularly where perpetrators monitor, confiscate, or destroy victims’ access to communication.[1]
History
DV Safe Phone was established in 2020 following discussions between the organisation’s founder and a former police officer, who identified a recurring issue in domestic violence response work: victim-survivors were often left without a safe or functional mobile phone after devices were destroyed, confiscated, or monitored during abusive situations. Without secure access to communication, survivors could be unable to contact police, emergency services, or trusted support networks.[1]
The initiative developed as a way to repurpose unused mobile phones into secure communication tools, distributing them through accredited support services rather than directly to individuals. Media reporting has linked the organisation’s work to broader concerns about technology-facilitated abuse in domestic and family violence contexts.[1]
Operations
DV Safe Phone operates nationally, with its head office based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The organisation receives donated mobile phones from individuals, businesses, and public sector organisations. Devices are data-wiped, tested, and refurbished before being distributed at no cost to frontline agencies, including domestic violence services, police stations, hospitals, and safe houses.[1]
Local governments have reported participating in donation initiatives supporting the programme. For example, Western Downs Regional Council announced its involvement in donating decommissioned mobile phones to DV Safe Phone as part of a domestic violence support initiative.[2]
Impact
Reporting by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has noted increased demand for refurbished “safe phones” as awareness of technology-facilitated abuse has grown in Australia.[1] While the organisation has stated that it works with hundreds of frontline agencies nationwide, detailed distribution figures are not independently verified in all published sources.[1]
Independent coverage
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DV Safe Phone has received national media coverage in Australia. ABC News has reported on the organisation’s role in providing secure communication devices to domestic violence survivors and situating its work within the broader issue of technology-facilitated abuse.[1]
The organisation has also featured on the Nine Network’s national current affairs programme A Current Affair, which reported on community donation efforts and the reuse of old mobile phones to support victim-survivors.[3]
Additional coverage has appeared in regional and community news outlets, often in connection with local police, health services, or councils participating in donation drives.[4]
Context
Technology-facilitated abuse — in which digital devices and software are used to monitor, stalk, or control victims — is increasingly recognised as a component of domestic and family violence in Australia. Media coverage has emphasised the importance of secure access to communication tools for survivors attempting to seek help safely.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "'Safe phones' the key to saving lives in abusive domestic violence relationships". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 21 December 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ↑ "Joining DV Safe Phone initiative supports domestic violence survivors". Western Downs Regional Council. 2025. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ↑ Westgarth, Georgia (2025). "Donating your old mobile phone could help save someone's life". A Current Affair. Nine Network. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ↑ "Great Southern Family Violence Team thrilled to have received 80 donated phones for DV Safe Phone campaign". Albany Advertiser. 8 January 2025. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
- ↑ "Technology-facilitated abuse is creating 'terror' in women, and it's on the rise in Australia". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 8 May 2021. Retrieved 5 January 2026.
External links
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