Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence and Stalking

The CELL Program provides an added level of protection to people who are at a high risk of domestic violence and stalking.

The program lends victims free cellphones at times of extreme risk.  The phones are pre-programmed to dial emergency services.  Victims of domestic violence and stalking who receive the phones must also have a written protection plan in place.

The CELL Program is a co-operative effort between MTS™, Nokia™, UTSTARCOM™, social services agencies, police services and Manitoba Justice.  It is available throughout Manitoba.

Eligibility

To qualify for the program, clients must meet the conditions of Manitoba Justice's client agreement.  Clients must:

• have a protection plan in place
• live in an area where MTS™ cellphone service is available
• make a formal complaint to the police
• agree to have police charge the offender after an emergency call
• hold, or have applied for, a restraining or protective order (Undertaking, Recognizance, Peace Bond, Protection Order or Prevention Order)
• indicate that the offender has a history of physical and emotional violence that would put the victim at risk
• understand that the CELL Program is a short-term program
• understand that the phone will be returned when it is no longer needed
• not be living with the offender/accused

How the Program Works

The Victim Services of Manitoba Justice issues cellphones to social service agencies for eligible clients.

Clients are shown how to use the cellphone and are required to sign an agreement that explains their responsibilities.

Clients' Responsibilities

The CELL Program is only for short-term use by high-risk victims.

Clients who receive a cellphone must:

• stay in contact with the social service agency that provided the phone
• have a protection plan in place
• understand how to use the phone

Clients may have to return the cellphone if they do not maintain contact with the agency.

Re-applying for a Phone

Eligibility is based on a client's present situation.  If clients need the cellphone again, they must re-apply to the program.  If they qualify, another cellphone is given out and a new agreement is signed.

IMPORTANT:  Do not rely on the cellphone as your only means of contacting emergency services.  Cellphone can be an excellent safety link, but make sure you have an alternate plan.  The cellphone does not guarantee safety.

Cellphones use radio signals to work.  The cellphone signal may be limited in areas such as concrete parking lots, elevators, stairwells, tunnels and uneven land or in areas outside cell coverage areas.  The cellphone must also have charged batteries to work.

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