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Writer's pictureLani Byrd
Sep 263 min read

Domestic Violence: Recognize the Signs & Offer Support

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a crucial time to shine a light on the often-hidden epidemic affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In 2024, DVAM will promote the powerful theme: Heal, Hold & Center. This theme reminds us to work together to foster healing, hold space for survivors, and center those most in need.

Image of a woman with a tear coming down here face while a hand covers up to silence her. National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence

Abused woman with bruises on her face hiding and peeking out from behind a door

Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. While some signs of abuse are clear, many are more subtle. Understanding the warning signs can help you identify when someone may be in danger:


  • Physical marks: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries.

  • Behavioral changes: Withdrawal from social situations, sudden anxiety, or depression.

  • Control by the partner: Excessive monitoring, isolation from friends and family, restriction of financial resources, or taking away victim's means to communicate with others (cell phone, tablet, etc.).

  • Fearfulness: A victim may seem overly anxious or fearful when their partner is around.

  • Inconsistent stories: Victims might offer conflicting explanations for their injuries or whereabouts.


If you notice any of these signs of domestic violence in someone you care about, it’s important to proceed carefully and offer support in a way that prioritizes their safety.


How You Can Help


Approaching someone you suspect is being abused can be intimidating, but there are meaningful ways to offer help:

Asian woman comforting caucasian woman who has been abused

  1. Listen without judgment: Let them share as much or as little as they are comfortable with. Show empathy and avoid telling them what they should do.

  2. Encourage professional help: Recommend they contact a confidential domestic violence hotline, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or local victim services.

  3. Develop a safety plan: Help them think through steps they can take if they need to leave the situation quickly, including having a safe place to go or an emergency phone hidden from their abuser.

  4. Respect their decisions: It’s crucial to understand that leaving an abusive relationship is a complex, personal decision that may take time.


The Role of the 911 Cell Phone Bank


911 Cell Phone Bank Logo

Once a victim of abuse decides to leave or seek help, having access to a phone can be a lifeline. This is where the 911 Cell Phone Bank (911CPB) plays a crucial role. The 911CPB collects and securely recycles donated cell phones, which are then distributed to victims of domestic violence through trusted victim agencies and law enforcement partners.


For many survivors, these phones become essential tools for reaching out to emergency services, contacting shelters, or staying in touch with their support networks. One testimonial shared by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department recounts how a donated phone allowed a victim to safely communicate with law enforcement, ultimately helping her escape an abusive situation. This story illustrates the life-changing impact that a simple cell phone can have.


Get Involved

Woman holding a handful of cell phones and boxing them up to donate to the 911 Cell Phone Bank

You don’t need to be an expert or a professional to make a difference. One way to contribute is by donating your unused cell phones, or unclaimed phones left behind in lost & found or property & evidence rooms to the 911 Cell Phone Bank. Here’s how the process works:


  • Donate: Individuals, businesses, and organizations can donate cell phones and other personal electronic devices such as tablets, laptops, and smartwatches.

  • Secure Processing: Devices are wiped clean of data and refurbished, ensuring no personal information remains.

  • Distribution: Phones are distributed to survivors of domestic violence through approved victim and law enforcement partners, enabling them to stay connected and access emergency services when needed.


By donating these devices, you can give survivors the ability to communicate privately and securely, providing them with a critical tool to navigate their journey to safety. You also help keep our planet cleaner from e-waste.


Ending the Cycle of Violence

Blocks that say "Silence is Violence"

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it’s essential to remember that domestic violence thrives in silence. By recognizing the signs, offering support, and contributing in ways that empower survivors—like donating cell phones—you can help break the cycle of abuse.


Together, we can heal, hold space for those in need, and center the voices of survivors in our collective efforts to end domestic violence.



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