Government emergency alert this Sunday sparks warnings over domestic abuse
Published by Professional Social Work magazine, 19 April, 2023
Social workers in contact with people living with domestic abuse are being urged to warn them to turn off any hidden phones they may have at home.
The warning comes ahead of a test alert scheduled to be issued this Sunday at 3pm by the UK government which will make all phones, even those on silent, emit a loud siren sound.
Domestic abuse charities warn that some people experiencing controlling behaviour or denied access to their own technology by abusers need to conceal mobile phones in case they have to call or text for help.
And if the phones suddenly go off and are found, they could experience an escalation in abuse.
The advice is to switch off a hidden phone or put it in airplane mode ahead of 3pm on Sunday.
A spokesperson for Refuge said: “Our concern is for survivors that have hidden phones within the home, and we are advising survivors to opt out of receiving the alerts on their hidden device.
“You can still receive warning messages on your device that is not hidden.”
The emergency alert will sound across the UK, sent via mobile phone masts. The aim is to test broadcasting to all compatible devices in an area to warn about floods and other emergencies.
Scam warning
Social workers looking after vulnerable people are also urged to warn them of the danger of scams occurring around the time of the emergency alert.
The government will not ask for phone numbers, locations or any other personal details to send an emergency alert, or ask people to use an app. People are advised to be on the lookout for bogus emails, texts or app sign-up invitations.
To opt out of Sunday’s emergency alert:
iPhone - search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts.
Android - search settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Severe alerts and Emergency alerts.
Refuge has further information about securing technical devices if you experience domestic abuse here