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Battered women will soon be able to get free cellular phones so they can quickly seek protection from their abusers.
Officials for Airtouch Cellular and county prosecutors around the state announced the program Tuesday, saying its goal is to protect women while improving the odds of catching their abusers.
The company will donate 1,000 phones to Women Helping Women and YWCA shelters in the state. Kendall Fisher, spokeswoman for Women Helping Women, said the phones would provide security and peace of mind for abuse victims.
She said most abusers also stalk their victims, making it difficult for women to leave the house. With the phone, she said, women could quickly call for help if they are stranded somewhere alone with no other way to reach authorities.
Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph Deters said the phones also will help law enforcement prosecute abusers, because 911 calls often provide key evidence against them in court.
