Today I joined Mayor Villaraigosa, my fellow Councilmembers, and members of the Domestic Violence Task Force (DVTF) at City Hall in launching Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It is truly tragic when people must fear for their safety in their own homes. The only way to break the cycle of domestic violence is to educate everyone -- families, law enforcement officers, policy makers – to recognize and know how to provide assistance to victims.
The DVTF released a new report this morning on teen dating violence that shows one in five teen relationships are abusive. Such studies show how important it is to become educated about the prevalence and effects of domestic violence as early as possible.
We also announced the city’s participation in HopeLine, Verizon Wireless’s cell phone collection program to help victims of domestic violence. Through Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine program, you can help combat domestic violence by donating your used wireless phones and accessories, which are refurbished and sold with the proceeds donated to benefit local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness. Phones are also donated to organizations that provide assistance to domestic violence victims. From October 10 through November 10, you can donate your old phones by bringing them to collection boxes in designated City offices, including City Hall and City Council District Offices across the city.