DONATING A LIFELINE
Police collect phones to aid domestic violence victims
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Since 2003, the Stillwater Police Department has collected at least 4,700 phones to donate to domestic violence victims.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On Thursday, Sergeant Ray Cordani, along with elected officials and representatives of domestic violence agencies, revealed a “couple hundred” more phones, collected between this October and last, which were donated.
“[Domestic violence is] not a private matter. It’s very much a public matter that destroys families and effects our communities,” Cordani said. “We need to change the culture in order to change the behavior.”
Cordani said police will encounter domestic violence at least once a day, sometimes more than that.
“Victims should be strongly encouraged to contact local domestic violence advocacy groups for assistance in finding safe shelter, counseling, or legal and financial support, which is all important,” he said.
Elected officials such as U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, state Sen. Kathleen Marchione and Stillwater Town Supervisor Ed Kinowski, as well as Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen and Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo, attended the event. Wellspring Executive Director Maggie Fronk and Domestic Violence Director at the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center Meg Myers were also in attendance.
“The important issues of today are recognizing the statistical evidence,” Tonko said. “1 in 6 women are subjected to stalking. 1 in 19 men subjected to stalking. Through their lifetime, 1 out of 4 women are effected by domestic violence. Domestic violence needs to be addressed by sound legislation and policies and programs.”
Marchione stressed the importance of the cell phone donation program.
“It is the lifeline for woman and men for when they are in trouble and when they are being abused, they can take that phone and they can save their own lives,” she said. “You provide a tool that some just say is ‘just a phone.’ But it’s not just a phone. It’s a lifeline.”
Fronk is responsible for helping to get the program off the ground with Stillwater police. She said while domestic violence statistics are staggering, she hopes for a future where domestic violence is no longer a problem.
“We live in a tipping point of social change,” Fronk said. “You cannot even see a football game where this issue doesn’t come up and good caring people are saying this needs to stop. It is a daily conversation.”
According to Fronk, domestic violence is still the second most prevalent form of violent crime in Saratoga County and the number one cause of family homelessness, but she said the community is engaged.
“We’re not quite there yet, we still have a ways to go, but I can see on the horizon that we will end relationship and domestic abuse in this community by working together,” she said.
Myers emphasized the importance of advocates.
“Advocates are people who show support, they defend people, they defend social causes,” she said. “They are potentially a person who speaks up for someone who has lost hope or options. Advocates speak for those that feel that they no longer have a voice and feel they have lost all control over their lives.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence or relationship abuse, or for more information, call the Wellspring 24/7 hotline at (518) 584-8188.