Emergency Alerts Test: what domestic abuse survivors need to know

There is a concern that this event may pose a potential risk to domestic abuse survivors. 

The UK government’s Emergency Alerts system is designed to warn and advise people in the event of a life-threatening emergency, such as extreme weather or a terror attack. The system is tested periodically to ensure it works as intended.

At around 3pm this Sunday, mobile phones and tablets on the 4G and 5G networks are likely to vibrate, display a message, and emit a loud siren-like noise. This will be the case even for devices that are switched to silent mode. 

Many survivors of domestic abuse, particularly those who live with an abusive partner, have a second device which they hide from the perpetrator. The control and monitoring of phones and tablets is one way in which domestic abuse is perpetrated, and survivors often rely on a second, hidden device to seek support.

Unless action is taken before the test, there is a significant risk that hidden devices could be discovered by domestic abuse perpetrators when the siren-like alert sounds out.

It is possible to opt out of the Emergency Alerts. Solace, a domestic and sexual violence charity, has a simple guide on its website.

Russell-Cooke has created an online domestic abuse hub, with guidance on where to access the right support. The hub features a ‘quick exit’ feature for the safety of users.

Russell-Cooke’s specialist team of family lawyers can provide sensitive and tailored advice on the legal options available. This includes advice on how to safely exit an abusive relationship, and advising on two types of injunction which can be sought from the Family Court: non-molestation orders (which prevent threatening, intimidating, harassing or pestering behaviour) and occupation orders (which regulate access to the family home).

Russell-Cooke’s criminal team can also assist where a crime has been committed and with ongoing police investigations. 

More information can be found on the firm’s domestic abuse hub and by contacting our family and children team by phone (020 3826 7520), email or through our online enquiry form.

James Underwood is an associate in the family and children team.