Safety

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a silent epidemic affecting the entire spectrum of society at all educational and socioeconomic levels.

  • One-fifth of the adults employed in the U.S. have been victims of domestic violence. 65 % are women, 35 % are men (Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence)
  • One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. (U.S. Department of Justice, Intimate Partner Violence)
  • Health-related costs of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year. (Center for Disease Control)
  • Domestic violence is the single greatest cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44 in the U.S. – more than muggings, car accidents and rapes combined.

This video contains real-life samples of domestic violence in action. Hear from Verizon executives who tell how the company is addressing this social issue.

Verizon Foundation is working to help stop the cycle of violence. We provide financial, technical and human expertise to local and national organizations that focus on education, prevention, victim relief and empowerment.

Education

Our goal is to stop the violence before it begins.

Coaching Boys into Men The Family Violence Prevention Fund program encourages high school coaches to teach young athletes respect, decency and fair play, on and off the field.

Penn State Community at Work: Workplace Responses to Domestic Violence A comprehensive educational program designed for university employees and students that includes online training and a DVD.

Relief and Safety

Our goal is to help provide quick, effective relief.

HopeLine® is a phone recycling and reuse program begun by Verizon Wireless in 2001. It has distributed 60,000 phones with 160 million minutes of free wireless service to domestic violence agencies for their clients.

National Family Justice Center Alliance develops best practices and training to help Family Justice Centers across the country support clients.

Empowerment

Our goal is to help victims gain independence and success at work.

Dress for Success Worldwide provides professional clothes, a support network and career development tools. Verizon Foundation helped implement an online database for the group's international office and 80 affiliates.