Emergency alarm test - Oldham doctor alerts survivors to opt-out option

Plans to test a national emergency alarm on mobile phones this Sunday (April 23) will get a ringing endorsement from most.

But victims of domestic abuse who rely on so-called silent or safe phones, need to know that they have the ability to switch off the short-burst siren – and be assured they are not being tracked.

So says Oldham GP and women’s health campaigner Dr Anita Sharma, who is also calling on us all to donate used mobiles to domestic abuse charities to create lifelines for survivors.

“Such is the trauma they are under, that those subjected to violence would find the idea of an unexpected sound on their mobile frightening,” said the Chadderton medic.

"It might open all kinds of emotional wounds and make them believe that the perpetrator knew how to contact them.”

Thankfully, the Government has produced guidance on opting-out of the test – click here

That might also be music to the ears of those with severely heightened anxiety or a neurodivergent condition such as autism.

Said Dr Sharma: “I am not decrying the test, far from it.

"As a doctor my prime objective is to save lives and as a proud Oldhamer I am aware that parts of our borough have suffered floods and will welcome an effective warning system.

"But while the alarm test will soothe anxieties and remind people there are armed forces, emergency services and a government that looks out for them, there is still work to be done to engage vulnerable people and publicise their right to opt-out.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately one in five adults aged 16 years and over (10.4 million) had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16 years.

Those were “known cases”, and the figure could be considerably higher.

Internationally, organisations are collecting and repurposing mobile phones so that domestic violence survivors can stay in touch with loved ones, without fear of being traced. But the scheme has yet to really catch on in Britain.

“Charities such as Safe Lives have worked with the likes of Vodaphone to provide the technology to keep phones safe,” Dr Sharma concluded.

"But a properly funded drive that involved the public donating old phones, would have the triple effect of protecting survivors, reducing waste sent to landfill and educating everyone about the traumatic impact of domestic abuse.”

Najma Khalid MBE, Founder and Director of the Women's CHAI Project, who work with vulnerable adults and young people, added: “While the test is needed to protect us at time of emergency, there should have been more time to explain what its purpose was.

"It could cause fear in some people, especially those who have suffered domestic abuse and those whose written English isn’t good.

"Children of 11 and 12 have mobile phones and there should have been a letter to households.

"So, yes it is a good idea, but we have a level of responsibility to explain to everyone what it is about.”

Dr Anita Sharma is a specialist in women’s healthcare and the creator of the Endometriosis Awareness North charity.

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