SafeConnections is an award-winning project with WESNET Safety Net Australia and Telstra to provide free, safe mobile phones to survivors of domestic and family violence, sexual assault, and other forms of violence against women.

When survivors are experiencing abuse, having access to safe ways to connect with services and loved ones is crucial.

Telstra is meeting this need by donating smartphones with pre-paid credit for WESNET to provide to women impacted by Domestic and Family Violence and other forms of gender-based violence.

WESNET, with funding from the Australian Government, is supporting this effort by distributing the phones to frontline agencies and providing training and information on safe use of technology to frontline workers. 

The WESNET Safety Net Australia project provides expert trainings, resources, and information on the intersection of technology and Violence Against Women (VAW).

Safety Net Australia:

• • Work with communities and agencies to address how ongoing and emerging technology issues impact safety, privacy, and accessibility rights of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and gender-based violence.
  • Educate a wide range of front-line agencies who work with women experiencing violence against women on ways to use technology strategically to help find safety.
  • Promote strong local, state, national, and international policies and laws that ensure the safety, privacy, and rights of all survivors of VAW.

Established in 1992, the Women’s Services Network (WESNET) is a national women’s peak body which works on behalf of women and children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic or family violence.

With almost 350 members across Australia, WESNET supports a range of organisations and individuals including women’s refuges, shelters, safe houses and information/ referral services.