Video: Town Donates 78 Phones To RI Coalition

Mayor Joseph M. Polisena and local officials made a formal donation of 78 cell phones to the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence on July 14 at the in an effort to help victims and survivors of abuse.

Coalition Executive Director Deborah DeBare said the donation is "a true collaborative effort to keep the entire community safe," and spoke about the increased awareness of domestic abuse.

"It wasn't so long ago where the Coalition Against Domestic Violence was the lone voice speaking out about this problem," DeBare explained. "Today, on the streets of Johnston and in the halls of the State House, no matter where I go, we have champions and voices and leadership that are saying the things that need to be said."

Polisena said the town gathered the phones from departments where older phones had been replaced — and called on leaders in other communities to do the same.

"I'm challenging all the other mayors, managers and town administrators to get their phones, and don't leave them in a box, in some hallway, in some closet," Polisena explained. "Make this donation — it doesn't cost much, and it doesn't hurt. If you don't donate your phones and leave them sitting in a box, somebody may get hurt."

The accompanying video shows more from today's event.