An emergency government phone alert, warning of wildfires across England and Wales, put domestic abuse victims at risk, according to campaigners who spoke to the BBC. Millions of mobile phones received a "severe alert" notification on Friday at 19:00 BST, stating there was a "very high risk of wildfires nationally".
Charities and survivors have criticised the lack of advance warning, which they say meant there was little opportunity to protect individuals hiding secret phones in domestic abuse situations. Women's Aid, a national charity, is calling for more forewarning of alerts when possible. Veronica Oakeshott, the charity's head of external affairs, told BBC News that survivors frequently use second phones for support or to escape abuse, and it is vital these devices remain hidden.
Padua Eaton, 29, a domestic abuse survivor and founder of The Harborough Doves support group, said her "heart dropped" upon receiving the alert. She stated that many in domestic abuse relationships have secret second phones, and the alarm would have alerted abusers immediately. Maggie Evans, director of frontline services at Hourglass, echoed these concerns, calling for ministers to consult organisations supporting vulnerable people before future alerts.
A government spokesperson said the alert was sent "after a direct request from fire and rescue services" and that they are working closely with domestic abuse charities for tests of the alert system. Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged the public to take the notification, which cautioned against disposable barbecues, naked flames, or fireworks, "seriously".