Warning for abuse victims with UK emergency alert test
Domestic abuse victims have been advised to switch-off hidden mobile phones ahead of the UK government’s emergency alert test.
Charities such as Refuge, Women’s Aid and Citizen’s Advice said that victims of domestic violence can often hide devices in their homes in case of emergency situations.
They fear that the UK government’s alert system will uncover these phones and might endanger those living with abusive partners.
Lucy Hadley from Women’s Aid said: “For many survivors, a second phone which the perpetrator does not know about is an important form of communication with friends or family – as some abusers confiscate or monitor and control their partner’s phone.
“It may also be their only lifeline in emergencies.
“The emergency alerts pose a risk, not only because an abuser could discover a survivors’ second phone, but also because they could use this as a reason to escalate abuse.”
The emergency alert system, announced last month, will be tested on all mobile phones on Sunday 23rd of April.
The UK government said the system will warn people of “life-threatening emergencies nearby” after it is tested.
Mobile devices will receive the alert at 3pm which will include a 10 second siren sound and vibration.
Citizen’s advice shared information on social media about the alert’s danger for domestic abuse victims.
They have asked followers on social media to share this information in case anyone they know is affected by domestic abuse.
Victims of domestic violence can receive immediate support from Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
