Joy as data charges removed for websites supporting victims of crime

 It comes at a time when some charities are reporting significant increases in visits to their websites. Instructions to stay at home as much as possible may have been a major cause of anxiety for some victims while social distancing measures mean it is harder for organisations to offer face-to-face support.

To ensure this support remains available mobile network operators EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, Sky Mobile, Virgin Media, Tesco Mobile and giffgaff have agreed that their customers will not incur data charges when accessing support and information on the following websites:

Victim Support – www.victimsupport.org.uk

Rape Crisis – www.rapecrisis.org.uk

The Survivors Trust – www.thesurvivorstrust.org

Male Survivors Partnership – www.malesurvivor.co.uk

Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline – www.refuge.org.uk

www.womensaid.org.uk

www.welshwomensaid.org.uk

NSPCC – www.nspcc.org.uk

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “This agreement will help people who are at risk of violence during this pandemic get the information and support they need, particularly those on pay as you go contracts or tight data allowances.”

The move follows previous commitments from the UK’s internet service and mobile providers to support and protect vulnerable consumers and the NHS during the pandemic.

As part of this all of the UK’s internet providers have already agreed to remove all data allowance caps on current fixed broadband services, so accessing these websites through a home broadband connection will not incur data charges.

Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales Dame Vera Baird said: “This is something that I have called for and I am pleased that the Ministry of Justice and the mobile network operators have responded and worked together to make it happen.

“No one should be denied access to these important sites because of data restrictions. This move will allow even more victims – especially those who may be struggling to use traditional contact methods during the lockdown – to access the help and support they need, and I hope that it becomes a permanent arrangement.”

Nick Jeffery, Vodafone UK CEO, added: “We believe in the power of technology to make a positive difference in the world, and  have worked to support domestic abuse organisations for many years.

“The Bright Sky app – developed by the Vodafone Foundation and Hestia and which provides support and information to anyone affected by domestic abuse – has seen a 47 percent increase in downloads during lockdown. This is a huge concern and we wholeheartedly support this initiative.”

Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media said: “The role of connectivity in our lives has never been more apparent than it is right now. We know that, in these difficult times, being able to connect to the outside world and access help and support is vital.

“We’re committed to providing easy, unrestricted access to these important websites for our customers at a time when they may need it most.”

Nicola Green, the Director of Corporate Affairs at O2, said: “The ability of domestic violence victims to access support services through digital connectivity can help protect and remove them from dangerous situations.

“O2 is delighted to back this initiative.”

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