New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III is urging the Bristol County community to help honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.
District Attorney Quinn announced today that all four of his district court offices and each police department in the county will be collecting used cell phones and accessories to provide to victims of domestic violence.
The cell phones and accessories do not have to be in working order. All brands and types of cell phones will be accepted. The collected phones will be sent to the Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program at the end of the month for refurbishing and potential upgrades. HopeLine will equip the phones with 3,000 anytime minutes of airtime and texting capabilities. The phones will come with Verizon Wireless Nationwide Coverage, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, 3-Way Calling, Caller ID, Basic Voice Mail and texting.
“Wireless phones and technology serve as a vital link for all of us. They’re also an especially safe and reliable way for domestic violence victims and survivors to reach emergency or support services in times of crisis and stay connected with employers, family and friends,” said District Attorney Quinn. “We provide these phones to victims we are working with to assist them in continuing to break the cycle of violence in their homes. I urge all Bristol County residents to assist victims of domestic violence this month by dropping off their old, unwanted cell phones and accessories.”
The cell phones can be dropped off at any Bristol County Police Department or they can be brought to any of our district court offices, located in Attleboro, Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford.
District Attorney Quinn would also like to help promote a number of different events and commemoration ceremonies being held throughout the county in October.
Other events across the county:
On October 3rd, the City of Fall River will hold its annual White Ribbon event at 3 pm at Government Center. The White Ribbon Campaign is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working to end violence against women and girls, promote gender equity, healthy relationships and a new vision of masculinity. Starting in 1991, the Campaign asked men to wear white ribbons as a pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Since then the White Ribbon has spread to over 60 countries around the world.
The White Ribbon Campaign continues to offer a forum for men to speak out against violence against women. For too long, only women’s voices were heard challenging violence against women but the truth is men’s violence against women will not change until men decide to work to end it. Through the campaign, men have the opportunity to create change by no longer remaining silent and becoming active supporters in this effort.
On October 6th at 7 p.m., a Domestic Violence Awareness proclamation and tree lighting will take place at New Bedford City Hall. The tree will be lit each night for the remainder of the month to support and honor domestic violence victims and their families.
On October 20th, New Hope will be holding a candlelight vigil at Wheaton College in Norton.
On October 25th at 6 pm, a candlelight vigil will be held at City Hall in New Bedford. The vigil will be followed by a march to the Unitarian Church where a program to remember victims of domestic violence will be held.
