Ring and the National Network to End Domestic Violence Partner to Support Survivors
By Ring on October 1, 2024
Being There When it Matters
A domestic violence survivor left her abusive marriage after a series of violent events, fearing for her life and the safety of her children. After connecting with a domestic violence advocate to develop a safety plan, the survivor was offered a Ring camera. "The Ring camera I received has brought safety and peace of mind to me and my children,” the survivor explained. “The camera allows me to see what is happening at my house when I am not there and has helped me feel safer about my surroundings. The camera recorded my abuser coming to my house and this was information I was able to use to give the authorities” the survivor continued. “Being able to see who is at my door makes me and my kids feel so much better and gives us a warning if violence ever comes knocking again. I am so thankful for this gift. I think these cameras can save lives and help victims of abuse to feel safer."
Origin of Ring’s Partnership with the National Network to End Domestic Violence
Ring began its work supporting domestic violence survivors in April 2021, after hearing how the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) in Texas was integrating Ring devices into survivor safety plans. Ring launched a pilot program in Houston and two weeks later learned that a Ring motion alert enabled a survivor to escape to safety, as their abuser approached their home with a weapon. This success underscored the critical role technology can play in enhancing survivor protection.
Following the pilot, Ring expanded the program to additional cities, including Montgomery, AL and Columbia, SC. Through this work, it was learned that Ring products were one of the most requested pieces of technology for domestic violence survivors. Due to the localized success of these pilot initiatives, Ring made the decision to scale the work to support more domestic violence organizations nationally.
“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support survivors of domestic violence and feel a strong responsibility to do so,” said Liz Hamren, CEO of Ring. “Hearing that Ring is helping survivors feel a greater sense of security and comfort is truly humbling. Our collaboration with NNEDV has underscored the importance of prioritizing survivor safety in our products. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NNEDV and supporting their mission of creating a world free from domestic violence.”
Since 2022, Ring has invested over $4 million in monetary contributions and in-kind device donations to support NNEDV and more than 600 domestic violence organizations in the U.S. Ring also partners with NNEDV’s Safety Net Project team, which educates on the intersection of technology and abuse. Ring leverages the team’s expertise to ensure that it keeps survivor safety top of mind when innovating new and existing products.
“On behalf of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, I am so grateful for two years of partnership with Ring, including the donation program supporting domestic violence survivors,” said Stephanie Love-Patterson, NNEDV President & CEO. “Technology can be a lifeline for survivors in need, helping them access resources and providing peace of mind. NNEDV is committed to supporting survivors’ safe and empowered use of technology in partnership with champions like Ring.”
More About NNEDV
The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) is one of the leading domestic violence organizations in the country, supporting over 56 state and U.S. territorial coalitions. As part of their work, the organization works closely with its member coalitions to understand and address survivors’ needs through advocacy and strategic partnerships, to empower survivors escaping from abuse to build new lives.
No matter what’s happening in our world, domestic violence programs need resources to help the survivors who depend on them. As NNEDV’s 18th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report found, on just one day in 2023, the local domestic violence programs supported by NNEDV served 76,975 total victims. 44,616 of those victims found refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing, hotels, motels, or other housing provided by local programs.
Ways to Support Domestic Violence Victims
Domestic violence is a serious and widespread issue that affects many people around the world and there are several ways you can help support victims of domestic abuse. You can educate yourself on some of the signs that could indicate someone you care about may be experiencing abuse. You can reach out, encourage them to create a safety plan, and let them know you are there to listen and provide non-judgmental support.
You can also encourage them to talk to someone who can help. Hotlines are free, confidential, and available 24/7. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available by phone (1-800-799-7233), TTY (1-800-787-3224), chat (https://www.thehotline.org/), or text (START to 88788). You can also encourage them to connect with their state or territorial coalition to find local resources. By taking action, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of domestic violence victims and help break the cycle of abuse.
If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.