Victims of domestic violence could be at risk of further abuse if a siren-like notification is sent to their hidden phones when the Government carries out a national emergency alert test next week, charities have warned.
On Sunday 7 September at about 3pm, mobile phones on 4G and 5G networks will vibrate, emit a distinctive siren sound for up to 10 seconds, and display a message confirming the alert is a drill.
The emergency alerts system is used to warn people of danger, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly.
But several charities have raised concerns that the alert could put people affected by domestic violence in danger.
Many domestic abuse survivors have a second or secret mobile phone that they use to access support without fear of being tracked or having their usage monitored, which the alert could make their abuser aware of.
The charity Refuge said most survivors it supports have experienced some form of technology-facilitated abuse, with a 258 per cent rise in cases involving technology, such as mobile phones and smart devices, between 2018 and 2022.
Nahar Choudhury, chief executive of charity Solace, said: “The upcoming national emergency alert test could put survivors of domestic abuse living with their partners at greater risk. Hidden phones are often a vital lifeline to access support safely when perpetrators control or monitor their primary devices.
“The upcoming alert could expose these phones and trigger further abuse. We are encouraging survivors to turn off their phones during the test, or to opt out of receiving emergency alerts – there is a step-by-step guide available on Solace’s website.”
square TECHNOLOGY This is what your phone will tell you if there's a UK emergency
Read More
Ms Choudhury called on the Government to improve its planning of such tests to make sure domestic violence survivors are protected.
“It should not, however, fall solely to charities to mitigate these risks. The Government must prioritise survivor safety, working with experts to build these considerations into the emergency alert roll-out from the outset. This is a preventable risk and with better planning and partnership, we can protect survivors while still ensuring public safety,” she said.
Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at Refuge, said that “abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes, and technology itself is not responsible… However, in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, technology becomes another tool to misuse and weaponise, often with devastating effects.”
Ms Pickering added: “Abuse doesn’t happen because of an emergency alert, but we know that the widespread use of this system may be incredibly worrying for survivors with a hidden device.”
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: “Emergency alerts contain lifesaving information, but we recognise there may be some scenarios where it’s sensible to opt out of alerts.
“There are clear instructions to opt out on gov.uk/alerts, and as part of our comprehensive planning for this national test, we have worked with domestic abuse charities and frontline services to make sure guidance on this is clear and widely available.
“This week, Cabinet Office ministers Pat McFadden and Abena Oppong-Asare met domestic abuse victims and charities at Refuge to raise awareness of the test.”
Solace’s step-by-step guide for opting out can be seen here.Hence then, the article about domestic abuse victims could be put at risk by emergency alert test on uk phones was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Domestic abuse victims could be put at risk by emergency alert test on UK phones )
Also on site :
- How Nashville’s Music Row Went MAGA in 2025
- Crew Paints Russian Flag on Oil Tanker Pursued by the U.S. Coast Guard
- FBI Seizes $40 Million Worth of Motorbikes Tied to Top-10 Fugitive