U.S. Senator Biden Recognizes Catapult Systems for Work
at National Domestic Violence Hotline
AUSTIN, Texas – February 23, 2006 – Surrounded by domestic violence advocates, service providers and corporate partners, United States Senator Joseph Biden and The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) today unveiled an innovative new technology solution developed by Catapult Systems that will enable more victims to access life-saving services through the Hotline.
The Hotline was created by Senator Biden’s landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and has answered more than 1.5 million calls since its launch in February of 1996. Senator Biden and United States Representative Lloyd Doggett continued efforts to prevent and respond to domestic violence by founding the Connections Campaigns, a unique public-private partnership between the federal government and companies including AOL, Microsoft, Dell, IBM and Catapult Systems.
“Through their actions, their vision and their commitment to change the reality of domestic violence in America, our Connections Campaign partners are shining examples of leadership through advocacy,” said Sheryl Cates, NDVH Executive Director. “Thanks to Senator Biden and our corporate partners, we now have the technology and training to answer more calls and save more lives.”
The new technology includes a redesigned call center application, online mapping software to help advocates locate service providers more quickly, new networked computers, flat-screen monitors and electronic telephone software designed to maximize the number of calls that can be handled by the Hotline. The technological improvements also will better enable the Hotline to collect, sort and report on national domestic violence patterns.
“The Hotline advocates and coordinators are among the most committed and inspiring people I have ever worked with,” said Jason Rios, Catapult Systems Senior Lead Consultant. “This project is a great example of how corporate America and non-profit agencies like the National Domestic Violence Hotline can work together to really make a difference.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE.