A national charity is urging Northern Territory residents to donate unused mobile phones to help domestic violence victims stay connected to support services, as new data shows the Territory has the highest rate of people seeking homelessness assistance due to family and domestic violence in the country.

DV Safe Phone founder and chief executive Ashton Wood said Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data showed a rate of 211.7 people per 10,000 accessing homelessness services due to domestic and family violence, more than three times higher than any other state or territory.

His organisation is a not-for-profit that provides mobile phones to people escaping family and domestic violence and is running a campaign called the “Pass the Phone Challenge” during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May.

Nationally, according to AIHW data, domestic violence is now the leading cause of homelessness support, with victim-survivors making up more than 40 per cent of all people using specialist services. Perpetrators often monitor, confiscate or destroy phones, cutting off access to emergency help, housing and other critical services, he said.

Mr Wood said the data showed nearly a quarter of those seeking help are unable to access the accommodation they need, while more than three in five require specialised support.

“We’re supporting people who have left dangerous situations with nothing: no home, no income, and often no safe way to contact anyone,” Mr Ashton said.

“In dangerous situations, a phone isn’t optional. It’s how you access help, it’s how you stay safe, and it’s often the only thing connecting you to support.”

Mr Wood said the organisation’s data shows more than half of people who receive a donated phone have experienced homelessness as a result of domestic and family violence.

Mr Wood said that since launching in 2020, DV Safe Phone has distributed more than 18,000 repurposed mobile phones nationally, but demand continues to grow and donations remain critical, Mr Wood said.

”Loss of access to phones and severed connection to support services are challenges that are being further compounded by Australia’s ongoing housing crisis,” Mr Wood said.

“Tight rental markets, low vacancy rates, and rising rents are making it harder for victim survivors to secure safe, stable accommodation, leaving people trapped in prolonged homelessness or crisis situations.

“As housing insecurity deepens, access to secure communication becomes even more critical.

“Donating a phone or funds is a simple, practical way to make an immediate impact and help someone take the first step toward safety.”

To find out more about how to donate a phone or contribute, visit the DV Safe Phone website.