AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) - has announced a $25,000 contribution to the Knoxville-Knox County Family Justice Center to support technology upgrades that will help the organization reach and assist victims of domestic violence. Funds will be used for computers and a software application that will help staff members of the center to collect and manage client data as well as more efficiently refer clients to partner agencies.

"The AT&T contribution will support the mission of the Knoxville-Knox County Family Justice Center in providing victims of domestic abuse with a single location to access advocacy and other services necessary to build a future of choice, safety and opportunity," said Amy Dilworth, executive director for the Justice Center. "This will allow us to continue to provide services to clients in a more time-efficient manner and eliminate barriers for victims of domestic violence."

The Justice Center represents a collaborative of more than 60 service providers in the Knoxville/Knox County community that network to enhance victim safety and to provide efficient services to victims of domestic violence. Technological advances can support the mission by enhancing communication between the 60-plus agencies in operational, technological and administrative staff support.

"AT&T is certainly pleased to be part of the efforts of the Justice Center," said Dennis Wagner, assistant vice president, External Affairs-AT&T Tennessee. "Technology resources now available to the staff will eliminate steps that victims might have gone through before. Getting assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible is the goal."

The Justice Center developed the application so that each partner agency could share information in accordance with the protocols of their agencies. The application will ensure the security, privacy and integrity of victim information stored in computers and during communication over public networks.

In a joint release from Knoxville City Mayor Bill Haslam and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, they said: "We are so proud of the Justice Center. The work that this staff performs makes a difference in the victims' lives. The technology enhancements will make their jobs easier, thus improving their service to those in need of assistance."