Recently, Verizon Wireless awarded a $50,000 HopeLine grant to the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV). Across the state, domestic violence programs will take an innovative approach to adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) by helping school nurses identify it as a health issue.

Through this program, school nurses learn to screen and identify abused or at-risk students. In addition, the program creates an ongoing relationship with domestic violence service providers and promotes positive messaging around healthy relationships.

“The consequences of dating and domestic violence can result in serious health problems,” said Connie Neal, executive director of the NYSCADV. “It is critical to educate preteens and teens about unhealthy and abusive behaviors, and build their knowledge and skills for having healthy relationships.”

The grant is part of Verizon Wireless’ ongoing efforts to support survivors of domestic violence and the organizations that serve them. Since 2001, Verizon Wireless has donated more than $21 million in cash grants to its partner agencies.

Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine program connects survivors of domestic violence to vital resources, funds organizations nationwide and recycles used phones to help protect the environment.