THE gift of security was given to domestic violence victims in the run up to Christmas. Dozens of mobile phones were donated to Hertfordshire Constabulary. Kim Leahy, partnership funding consultant for the constabulary, said: The generous offer from Virg

THE gift of security was given to domestic violence victims in the run up to Christmas.

Dozens of mobile phones were donated to Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Kim Leahy, partnership funding consultant for the constabulary, said: "The generous offer from Virgin Mobile to donate 50 mobile phones is great news and will make a significant impact on our work with vulnerable victims of domestic violence throughout the county.

"We will be loaning these phones to vulnerable people who will then be able to contact the police quickly and in complete confidence. These phones could be literally a life-saving device for victims in Hertfordshire."

The donation follows on from a similar successful partnership with Wiltshire Constabulary, where the company is based.

Det Chief Insp Fiona Gaskell said: "Hertfordshire Constabulary is committed to tackling domestic violence and we welcome any additional resources which enable us to give as much help and support as possible to victims."

The mobile phones - which will only be able to make emergency 999 calls - will be distributed following detailed assessments of victims. The victims must agree to keep the phone turned on at all times and agree to give their name and location to the operator should they need to ring 999.

Virgin Mobile's community officer Lisa Cogdell-Brown said: "Domestic violence is something which affects many people from all walks of life and donating phones to support the work of the police is a practical and straightforward way for Virgin Mobile to be involved and to help the local community."

There are around 10,000 incidents of domestic violence reported to police in Herts each year.