Local sexual-assault victims will have easier access to emergency services thanks to WSU’s CyberMentors, who wrapped up their cellphone drive with a presentation in the Student Center Building on March 7.

 

The School of Social Work student organization selected Wayne County Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner’s Program (WC SAFE) to receive over 50 cellphones collected in February and March. 

 

WC SAFE Administrative Assistant Katie Michael and Advocate-Therapist Linda Jackson accepted the phones and will distribute them to clients receiving post-assault counseling. 

 

“Some of our survivors don’t have access to phones or transportation,” says Michael. “The phones will help empower survivors. It’s critical for them to have access to loved ones and emergency services.”

 

Now in its second year, CyberMentors promotes the application of technology to social work practice. The group is best known for mentoring local high school students in appropriate online behaviors. CyberMentor co-presidents Julia Tune and Stephanie Weber say the cellphone drive was conceived to combine a number of societal objectives.

 

“We’re not only recycling the phones, but putting them to good use by helping people without access to technology,” Tune says. “Technology changes fast and can be expensive, making it difficult for many to keep up.”