Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center collects old cell phones to help individuals affected by domestic violence

Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center collects old cell phones to help individuals affected by domestic violenceJuly 17, 2009SU News ServicesSUnews@syr.edu

As part of its ongoing efforts in both sustainable leadership and community engagement, Syracuse University has partnered with HopeLine, a program of Verizon Wireless that puts wireless services and equipment to work to assist clients of agencies providing domestic-violence-related services. The Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center collects old cell phones for HopeLine.

The long-running HopeLine program collects all brands of no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in any condition from any service provider. Verizon takes the donated used phones and refurbishes, recycles or sells them, and uses the proceeds to purchase new phones for use in emergency situations by clients of agencies such as Vera House. Since its launch in 2001, the HopeLine program has collected more than 5.6 million wireless phones.

“The Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center first became involved in collecting cell phones for HopeLine as part of Take Back the Night, our annual event that raises awareness about the impact of violence on our community and the positive role each of us can have in creating a safer community,” says Janet Epstein, associate director of the R.A.P.E. Center. “Through our partnership with Vera House, we are aware of what a critical link to safety a cell phone can be for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence.”

The HopeLine program helps individuals in emergency situations and also helps keep toxic and hazardous waste out of U.S. landfills; some 130 million cell phones are discarded each year, impacting landfills with 65,000 tons of toxic and health hazard cellular trash. “Through the donation of cell phones, Syracuse University community members are supporting the work of agencies such as Vera House, while also taking a positive step for the environment,” says Epstein.

A donation box is located at the Syracuse University R.A.P.E. Center, 111 Waverly Ave., Room 006J, and at numerous locations during the Ten Tons of Love (http://tentons.syr.edu/) drives in December and May. Pickups of large numbers of cell phones from campus locations can be arranged. Questions may be addressed to the R.A.P.E. Center at (315) 443-7273.

The R.A.P.E. Center is charged with the coordination and oversight of comprehensive sexual assault prevention programs, in addition to providing support services for survivors of sexual assault. The R.A.P.E Center provides a safe, caring space for students who are victims of sexual violence, and promotes recovery from the effects of sexual violence through personalized intervention and support services.

Verizon Wireless also accepts wireless phone donations at all retail stores. For more information on the HopeLine program, visit http://www.verizonwireless.com or call (585) 321-7264.