Verizon Donates $590,000 to PA Domestic Violence Agencies

By Sheryl Rentz on December 6, 2011

In the continuous fight against domestic violence, Verizon announced this week that it will be donating more than $590,000 to aid Pennsylvania domestic violence shelters. The funding for this generous donation comes from the Verizon Foundation and the nationally recognized HopeLine program, which provides refurbished cellular phones and airtime to nonprofit groups for use by domestic violence survivors.

The aid is certainly coming at an opportune time; Pennsylvania shelters have unfortunately seen a spike in domestic violence calls, which they attribute to the pressures of an ailing economy. Domestic violence agencies in the state have also been struggling with waiting lists at shelters and extended stays, and have reported an increase in elder abuse, teen dating violence, and increased calls for help to crisis hotlines. Statewide, more than 40 domestic violence organizations are presently being supported by Verizon.

Domestic violence is an extremely serious issue that will effect one in four woman in their lifetime, and encompasses a wide range of acts committed by one person against another in an intimate relationship or within a family. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive behavior used to gain power and control over another individual, and can include psychological, sexual, or emotional intimidation, economic control, verbal abuse, or physical violence. Though domestic violence effects people regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation, the overwhelming majority of adult victims are women, and interpartner violence is a major cause of injury to women.

Domestic violence victims have legal rights that they should be aware of, and an experienced Pennsylvania domestic violence attorney can ensure those rights are protected. If there has been actual or threatened physical abuse, a lawyer can assist in getting the victim a protection from abuse which can remove the abusing person from a jointly-occupied residence and provide that no contact may occur for up to eighteen months. In the situation of divorce, if domestic violence took place during a marriage, a domestic violence survivor can claim custody of the children, finances, or even the house. Sheryl R. Rentz has been helping domestic violence victims for years and can help you protect your legal rights when you are trying to leave a dangerous situation. Please call (610) 645-0100 for a free consultation.