San Jose, CA ---- In an effort to help combat domestic violence, San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales, Councilmember Pat Dando, and other community leaders are partnering with Sprint PCS and Motorola to provide cellular telephones to victims of domestic violence. 

The two companies donated 70 wireless phones and free airtime to several Santa Clara County domestic violence organizations and support groups at a press conference today. The donation is part of CALL to PROTECT, a nationwide collaborative campaign founded by the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association’s (CTIA) Wireless Foundation, Motorola and CTIA member carriers.

Through CALL to PROTECT, Sprint PCS and Motorola are providing pre-programmed wireless phones so victims can easily dial the San Jose Police Department’s emergency line in the event of a life-threatening situation. 

The phones are also programmed to directly dial two non-emergency numbers, such as hotlines operated by Support Network for Battered Women or Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence. Wireless phones and service also will be made available to domestic violence professionals, caseworkers and victim assistance volunteers to help them contact victims and report abuse.

“Strong community partnership is essential to reduce domestic violence and protect women and families in San Jose,” said Mayor Gonzales.  “I am proud of the collaboration from Sprint and Motorola that will help us achieve this goal.”

“This gift from Sprint and Motorola is as an innovative and efficient tool to combat domestic violence in San Jose,” said Councilmember Dando, Chairperson of the Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force.  “The Task Force is always seeking ways to fight domestic violence, and I am confident that our partnership with these companies will provide victims with a sense of mobility and security in abusive situations.”

According to Bill Brevoort, Sprint PCS area vice president, “Sprint PCS is committed to the communities that we serve.  Wireless phones are an important weapon in the war against domestic violence.  Victims can access police and other services available here in Santa Clara County with the touch of a few buttons, providing them with the ability to transition from a life of fear to a feeling of protection.”  

Last year in Santa Clara County there were over 4,000 domestic violence cases and 18 domestic violence-related deaths.

“Motorola is pleased to apply its long history in wireless technology to help save lives through the CALL to PROTECT initiative,” said Denise Gibson, Vice President and Director of Customer Technical Solutions, Motorola.

 Founded in 1996, CALL to PROTECT has helped protect more than 102,000 individuals in danger of abuse through the use of wireless phones.  The campaign also provides the public with information on how to recognize signs of domestic violence and steps to take to help those in need.

Rita Smith, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, added, “CALL to PROTECT phones provide security and mobility to help individuals in abusive situations. The program also helps victim regain peace of mind and independence, while also making an important contribution to educating the public about the signs of domestic violence.”

According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund, 83 percent of Americans consider domestic violence an extremely important social issue, ranking it above other major issues such as the environment, teenage alcoholism and teen pregnancy.  To date, the Wireless Foundation, Motorola and CTIA carrier members, including Sprint PCS, have donated nearly 30,000 phones and matching airtime to organizations working to combat domestic violence abuse.

The Wireless Foundation initiates and oversees strategic corporate philanthropy programs utilizing wireless communications to make communities safer, families more secure and teachers more effective.  For additional information on the Wireless Foundation, visit www.wirelessfoundation.org.

Councilmember Dando represents San Jose’s 10^th Council District, which includes the Blossom Valley, Santa Teresa, and Almaden neighborhoods.  She was appointed Chair of the Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force in January 2001.