PCC urges domestic abuse victims to opt out of Government’s emergency alert test

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen is urging victims of domestic abuse who rely on a secret mobile phone to disable the Government’s new Emergency Alert test.

The Government will be testing the Emergency Alert system on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 3pm which will see all 4G and 5G compatible phones receiving an alert regardless of whether the volume is switched on or off.

Mobile phones or tablets will vibrate and make a loud siren-like sound for approximately 10 seconds. A message will alert users that this is test and that no further action is required.

The alert system is in place to warn residents of emergencies including weather events and danger to life risks and is regularly tested to ensure it is functioning correctly.

The PCC is keen to alert anyone affected by domestic abuse who may have access to a hidden phone for protection to take the necessary steps to silence the alert before the test to ensure their safety is not compromised.

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen said: “Regrettably, many people are living with an abusive partner and will often have a second phone as a lifeline to getting emergency help or support.

“As important as it is for the Government to test the effectiveness of the Emergency Alert System, it is also paramount that every safeguard is taken to protect victims of domestic abuse whose lives could be at risk at the exposure of a secret mobile phone or, at the very least, could lose a vital mode of future communication.

“I would urge all survivors to follow the guidance of how to disable these emergency alerts on their phones to reduce the risk of detection well ahead of the national testing.”

Emergency alerts work on:

• iPhones running iOS 14.5 or later 
• Android phones and tablets running Android 11 or later

To opt out of emergency alerts following the Government’s advice at: https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, visit:  https://www.durham.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/

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For support please contact:

• ‍AspireNorth East‍

          https://www.aspire-northeast.co.uk/

          Tel:  0191 389 1504

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• TheCornforth Partnership

          www.cornforthpartnership.org

          Tel:  01740 652000

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• Harbour

          www.myharbour.org.uk

          24 Hour Helpline: 03000 202525

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• Just for Women

          www.justforwomen.org.uk

          Tel:  01207 281145

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