March 19, 2015
Manitoba Program for Domestic Violence Victims Recognized by National Wireless Association
Manitoba’s Cellphone Emergency Limited Link-up (CELL) program was recognized by Canada’s wireless community yesterday for improving the health and safety of Manitobans at risk of domestic violence and stalking, Justice Minister James Allum announced today.
“When victims and their families are in danger, the CELL program truly offers a lifeline,” said Minister Allum. “This is an important service offered by our victims’ services branch in partnership with MTS and other social service agencies, and the recognition is well-deserved.”
The CELL program is one of five Manitoba programs recognized yesterday with a Connected to the Community award from the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. The awards recognize organizations across the country that use wireless technologies to improve the lives of Canadians.
“For 30 years now, Canadians have been increasingly relying upon the safety and security cell phones can provide,” said Bernard Lord, president and CEO, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. “All of the partners involved in the CELL program are to be commended for their efforts to ensure those at most risk have access to these indispensable safety tools.”
The CELL program is a co-operative effort between MTS, social service agencies, police agencies and the Manitoba government. Domestic violence victims in high-risk situations can register with their own phones or ones provided free of charge by the program. Once registered, all relevant information about the victim’s situation is provided to law enforcement agencies, allowing them to respond appropriately and effectively in case of an emergency call. For more information about the CELL program, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/victims/services/cell.html.
More information about the Connected to the Community awards, including previous winners from across the country, is online at www.cwta.ca/about-cwta/connected-to-the-community/. CWTA is a trade association representing the wireless telecommunications industry.
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