#UHartInspires: Old Phones Donated to Help Domestic Abuse Victims Who are Social Distancing

After learning that there has been a 20 percent increase in domestic abuse calls to Hartford Police since residents were told to stay at home because of COVID-19, UHart’s procurement department donated 43 flip phones and chargers to Hartford’s Interval House to help abuse victims. The flip phones have no monetary value but they can make emergency calls to 911. The Hartford Police Department expected a spike in domestic violence once the COVID-related stay at home order was put in place so it created a Domestic Violence Response Unit that works with Interval House.

“It is important that older devices be put to good use when possible,” said Director of Procurement Services Lisa Condon. “Now phones will give domestic abuse victims the ability to call for help and receive help, support, and resources.”

Thank you Procurement for providing phones for people who face possible injury because they must stay inside.  

“Hawks Helping” is an opportunity for University faculty, staff, and students to share how they are taking care of themselves and their families or helping and supporting others during the COVID-19 pandemic.