Delawareans have another way to report domestic violence and child abuse while following the state’s stay-at-home order.
The state Department of Justice recently offered more than 100 prepaid phones to survivors with text and data.
Delaware's Attorney General Kathy Jennings says the stay-at-home order poses a risk to these victims.
Right now, many people who have no means of communications, they are entirely isolated within their home," said Jennings. "For them, it’s not a safe environment. It is a dangerous place."
Jennings says this is one way to mitigate that danger.
Something as simple as getting a prepaid cell phone to a victim so that could be a means the communication is critically important," said Jennings. "Indeed, these prepaid cell phones that have been provided are a lifeline for victims of domestic violence and victims of child abuse.
Jennings notes the phones came at no cost to the state. A communications company, which chose to remain anonymous, stepped up to provide the phones on short notice. And the AG's office is working with them to bring more phones for domestic violence victims.
The State Justice Department is partnering with the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence on the effort. The phones have been distributed throughout various advocacy groups in the state.
Other resources are available to domestic violence victims. The State Emergency Order did not interrupt services like shelter homes, emergency housing, and social services.