Telecommunications giant Verizon has given $75,000 to the
Gay Men's Domestic Violence Project, helping the group
expand its services to more people. According to a
press release, the program is one of a few domestic
violence hotlines targeting male couples that
serves a multistate area. The Domestic Violence
Project started its 24-hour hotline in Massachusetts
eight years ago. Now it's expanding its coverage to
Rhode Island and Connecticut, the organization announced
Wednesday.
"The Verizon
grant is significant for several reasons," said Curt
Rogers, director of the GMDVP, at a news conference
Wednesday. "It expands a model program into other
states, and it provides a lifeline to gay, bisexual,
and transgender male victims currently without access to
services. It also raises awareness among other corporations
that domestic violence is a critical issue that
impacts everyone."
The grant will be
used in part to hire a regional coordinator to oversee
the staff of volunteers.
"Domestic
violence is an issue that affects every segment of
society," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon president for
Massachusetts and Rhode Island. "Statistics have shown
that one in four gay men will be victims of domestic
violence. Verizon is proud to work with the GMDVP to
assist on this worthy project." (The Advocate)
