Charity says government wildfire alert put domestic abuse victims at risk

A domestic abuse charity has criticised the emergency government phone alert which was sent to millions across the UK on Friday evening.

However, survivors of domestic abuse have said that a lack of advance warning meant those hiding secret phones, used to seek support and try to escape abusers, had little chance of protection.

Campaigners, including Women's Aid, the national charity aiming to end domestic abuse, have called for more forewarning of alerts wherever possible.

Police officers watch as a firefighter works at the site of a wildfire in Hornchurch

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Veronica Oakeshott, the charity's head of external affairs, told the BBC: "Survivors of domestic abuse frequently turn to second phones to help them access lifesaving support or flee from abuse.”

She added that it is “vital” that such devices stay hidden in domestic abuse situations.

Maggie Evans, director of frontline services at abuse prevention charity Hourglass, called for ministers to consult organisations supporting the most vulnerable before future alerts.

She said that there had been "no meaningful advance warning to frontline domestic abuse charities" and "no targeted safety guidance for victims".

Ms Evans added: "Domestic abuse victims should never be put at risk by the very systems meant to keep us all safe.

"Effective public safety must always be built on proper safeguarding."

They said: "On Friday alone, crews were tackling 43 wildfires across the country and had declared 11 major incidents, stretching resources to the very limit and requiring military support... we urge everyone to follow fire safety advice to help protect people and property."

The burnt out remains of houses following a huge blaze in Stourbridge (Jacob King/PA)

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The spokesperson added that the government was working closely with domestic abuse charities for tests of the system.

The notification, which cautioned against the use of disposable barbecues, naked flames or fireworks, was the biggest use yet of the emergency alert system and Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public to take it "seriously".

Some have questioned whether the alert was necessary, with one of the system's architects Frazer Rhodes saying the alert "really has divided opinion" and that the government should set out the criteria for when it will and will not be used.

Julian Jessop, fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, told the BBC that the "very high" threshold for sending an alert "hasn't been reached - I don't think there's an immediate risk to life everywhere".

The government has urged people to keep emergency alerts switched on as they may contain “life-saving information".

However, those who want to opt out of the alerts, including people who wish to conceal secret phones, can find advice for iPhones, Androids and other devices on the government website.