Hatfield mobile phone giant gives helpline for domestic violence victims

A MOBILE phone giant has teamed up with Hertfordshire Constabulary and Welwyn Hatfield Council to help victims of domestic violence.

Six mobile phones have been handed over to police in Hertfordshire by Hatfield-based T-Mobile, in a bid to give people suffering from domestic violence a new way of contacting police.

The mobiles will be handed out by officers to domestic violence victims, providing them with an alternative phone to use to call for help if the situation becomes critical.

The new initiative was the idea of former Welwyn Hatfield mayor Kim Langley, who organised the handover shortly before her year in office ended in May.

The Hatfield councillor is herself a former victim of domestic violence, and during her year as mayor she also raised more than �10,000 for the Welwyn Hatfield Women’s Refuge.

“Even if just one of these phones makes a difference to someone’s life, then the scheme will be a success,” Cllr Langley said.

“I’d like to extend my huge gratitude to T-Mobile for the phones and to Hertfordshire Constabulary for their work on this important issue.”

Welwyn Hatfield deputy mayor Carl Storer was also at the handover at Campus West.

“It was great to be able to join with T-Mobile to support the work of Hertfordshire Constabulary and help to make the process of reporting acts of domestic violence easier for those affected,” Cllr Storer said.

Detective inspector Duncan Sales said: “We are very appreciative of T-Mobile in helping to support high risk victims of domestic violence.

“Phones are a real-life link to our victims, giving them reassurance during difficult times and meaning that they summon help wherever they are”.

Paul Fennelly, T-Mobile’s law enforcement liaison manager, said: “This is a worthwhile community initiative we are very happy to support.”

n Anyone who has an unwanted pre-pay phone can donate them to Herts police. Contact Pc Roy Whiteaker on 01707 806919 for more information.