Verizon Wireless Offers Direct Connection to National Domestic Violence Hotline Through The #HOPE Initiative

Company Encourages Victims of Abuse to Talk About the Issue and Seek Help When Needed

09/26/2006 - BASKING RIDGE, NJ — In times of danger, domestic violence victims need access to resources that will provide assistance, and are easily accessible and secure. Verizon Wireless encourages any victim or anyone looking for information on the issue to dial #HOPE from any Verizon Wireless phone. Callers will be instantly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline for professional and confidential help. The call is toll and airtime free.

“We see about 1,500 calls to #HOPE each year, driving home the importance of wireless phones for domestic violence victims who use wireless technology to connect to the help they need,” said Denny Strigl, president and CEO of Verizon Wireless. “For the past 10 years, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has served as a safe haven for people touched by domestic violence, and Verizon Wireless is proud to provide our customers with this resource to get help and information.”

#HOPE is a service available across Verizon Wireless’ nationwide wireless network through the company’s HopeLine® phone recycling program. Customers simply dial the keys (#4673) plus the send key to be directly connected to the National Domestic Violence Hotline where they can receive the help they need through empowerment-based crisis intervention, information and resources. Since 1996, the Hotline has answered 1.5 million calls and responds to 17,000 calls on average each month. More than a simple toll free number, the Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can provide its services in more than 140 languages at 1-800-799-SAFE or on the Web at www.ndvh.org.

“Since its inception, the Hotline has become the vital link to safety for victims of domestic violence and their families, with call volume increasing over 200 percent over the past 10 years,” said Sheryl Cates, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “#HOPE from Verizon Wireless brings increased access to the Hotline and a valuable sense of security to those in need by enabling them to quickly and easily use their wireless phones to connect to resources for safety and independence.”

#HOPE is one initiative in Verizon Wireless’ long-standing commitment to domestic violence prevention through the company’s HopeLine program. HopeLine collects wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider, and then refurbishes the phones or recycles them in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine program benefit victims of domestic violence and non-profit advocacy agencies, providing essential communication tools of wireless phones and wireless services, and financial grants.

For more information about Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine program, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

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Debra Lewis

Media Contact

Verizon Wireless

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