1:52 p.m., April 6, 2010----Learning about domestic violence can be difficult and even depressing. This semester, students enrolled in a University of Delaware Human Development and Family Studies class focused on domestic violence are doing something about it by raising funds for the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV) and raising awareness in the process.

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Students are collecting old and broken cell phones, which will be recycled. The funds raised through the recycling process will be donated to DCADV.

Drop boxes are available across campus. Phones will also be collected at the Trabant University Center and Perkins Student Center through April 18, to coincide with National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Early in the semester, students in the class heard from Sara Mersch, policy specialist at DCADV. She spoke about the history and accomplishments of the coalition, and discussed their current legislative activities and prevention work.

She also explained the ways in which additional funding would benefit the coalition's programs, such as Savings For Safety, which helps survivors achieve economic independence from their batterers.

Students have made drop boxes and contacted campus groups and local businesses, including restaurants and cell phone stores. They are also drawing on their personal connections and on technologies like Facebook to spread the word. Most importantly, students are raising awareness about domestic violence in the process.

The phones collected will be refurbished or recycled by Shelter Alliance, a Florida-based firm that specializes in the logistics of fundraising programs through the collection and responsible recycling of used cell phones. The proceeds will help to fund the work of the coalition.

For additional information, contact Ruth Fleury-Steiner, UD associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, at [rfs@udel.edu] or 831-8560