Uber Partners with The Safe Center Long Island to Address Increase in Victims Needing to Flee Violence

NEW YORK - Uber today announced a partnership with The Safe Center Long Island to provide additional support through transportation for the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Uber has donated $35,000 in free rides for those seeking domestic violence services. These funds will be directed to The Safe Center Long Island, which connects services for those who have experienced domestic violence. Access to these services is critical now more than ever before as domestic violence cases have increased in Long Island as the Stay at Home order was put into place.

“The Safe Center LI is grateful to Uber for their generous support during this crisis.  Disasters like this increase the incidence of interpersonal violence and make getting help more difficult for those being abused.  This support will help us provide immediate access to safety and services for victims during this unprecedented time,” said Cynthia Scott, Executive Director of Long Island Safe Center. 

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said “with the disturbing rise of domestic violence that we’ve seen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, access to the critical services provided by The Safe Center has never been more important.  I’m grateful for Uber’s generous support of the Safe Center, providing rides for anyone seeking to access services and support, because it will ensure that no one in Nassau County face an additional barrier to getting the help they need.  I urge anyone in Nassau County in an unsafe situation to call the Safe Center at 516-542-0404 to get help right away.”

“We are honored to partner with the Long Island Safe Center to provide an essential service to residents during this unprecedented time of need,” said Hayley Prim, Public Affairs Manager for Uber. “This service will provide Long Islanders in need critical access to safe transportation amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. ”

Residents seeking transportation and other services to flee a violent situation, which includes domestic violence and human trafficking, can contact The Safe Center LI which is available 24/7 directly through their hotline at 516-542-0404. Operators will then deploy an Uber to the location to pick up the rider and transport them to a safe shelter or other services in Long Island. The system will work to pair the requester with the closest driver in the area, and the requester’s privacy will be protected by personnel at the Hotline.

The donation is part of a larger commitment Uber to provide 50,000 free rides to shelters and safe spaces in more than 35 cities across 17 countries. The company is partnering with domestic & sexual violence organizations, anti-human trafficking service providers, and local governments across the globe to help survivors access life-saving services and find a safe place to shelter.