Domestic abuse victims as risk over hidden phones thanks to Govt alarm

Victims of domestic abuse could be put in grave danger by the Government's emergency alert system test this weekend, charities have warned.

At around 3pm on Sunday, 7 September, all 4G and 5G mobile phones in the UK will blare a 10-second siren blast and display a test alert from the Government — part of a system designed to warn the public in the event of life-threatening emergencies.

But campaigners fear the so called 'Armageddon alarm' may expose hidden phones used to seek help by abuse victims and could have terrifying consequences for those hiding devices from controlling or violent partners.

Emma Pickering, of domestic abuse charity Refuge, warned that the alert could expose lifeline phones hidden by survivors.

'During the initial roll-out of the Government's emergency alert system, Refuge expressed concerns about how the alerts could indirectly impact survivors who have hidden devices by making their abuser aware of the device,' she said.