Through the donation Uber will provide around 1,000 free rides to assist victims seeking support services or fleeing violent situations in Pennsylvania
PENNSYLVANIA – Uber today announced a partnership with Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) to provide about 1,000 free rides, up to $20,000, for domestic violence victims seeking services or fleeing unsafe situations. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence will distribute the free rides among some of their member programs in an effort to help survivors access life-saving services across the state. Access to these services is critical now more than ever as domestic and sexual violence is said to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to victims being isolated at home with abusers, and nearly three million women leaving the workforce because of COVID-related economic hardship or caregiving obligations.
The donation is part of Uber’s Driving Change initiative – a commitment to provide $5 million in grants over 5 years to support US organizations working to prevent, address, and respond to gender-based violence. This year, Uber is donating $2.5 million to these organizations globally.
“We often see safe and reliable transportation as one of the biggest hurdles for survivors,” said Susan Higginbotham, CEO, PCADV. “The free rides from Uber will provide safe transportation for victims who are fleeing abusive situations and can help connect survivors with the services they need by getting them to local domestic violence programs and beginning their path to safety and autonomy.”
“Uber is so honored to partner with Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence to ensure that transportation is not a barrier in any survivor’s path to safety and healing,” said Brittany Anthony, Head of Global Women’s Safety Policy for Uber. “Our commitment to women’s safety extends to the communities that we serve and we’re proud to work with leading gender-based violence organizations globally on awareness, education and prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence.”
Local domestic violence programs will be set up with their own Uber account for the program where staff and volunteers will be able to send victims Uber Vouchers for a free ride or call the ride on behalf of the victim.
Domestic violence services in Pennsylvania remain operational during the COVID-19 crisis. If you or someone you know needs help or support, please visit pcadv.org to locate the program near you, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline / thehotline.org / 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS is to 22522.
You can learn more about Uber’s Driving Change efforts here.
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