As a workaround, Riportella is placing burner phones inside certain library books. Each burner phone contains essential information, such as phone numbers of local shelters, pro bono attorneys, and additional social services.
Riportella also mentioned that each burner phone is set to silent mode; this way, domestic violence perpetrators don’t become aware of their presence. Moreover, the librarian stated all the information she wishes she had while facing domestic abuse in her 20s is now available in the hidden burner phones.
Essential resources for people facing domestic violence
Believe it or not, Riportella commonly comes across women enduring domestic abuse at the hands of their partners. In 2022, the librarian crossed paths with one woman whose boyfriend regularly checked her direct messages on social media and her texts.
Having access to a burner phone from Riportella helped this woman contact domestic abuse shelters and reach out to relatives and friends. Today, she’s since managed to get away from the abusive boyfriend.
