A safety warning for women in domestic violence situations has been published by Daughter of Fire, regarding the 27 July national Emergency Alert test.
The group has brought attention to some critical risks to an AusAlert from the Australian Government that’s scheduled on 27 July to all mobile phones.
The national alert will be sent to mobile phones across the country and will sound loudly even if devices are on silent or Do Not Disturb, meaning the sound can’t be muted in advance.
Across the country, victim-survivors of domestic and family violence rely on hidden or secondary phones to safely contact support services, document abuse or plan to leave violent situations. A loud alert from one of these devices could expose this safety planning to abusers, escalating risk.
“If you are in a domestic violence situation and have a hidden or safety phone, consider giving it to a trusted friend or leaving it somewhere safe, such as at work or a friend, before July 27,” the Daughter of Fire Instagram post reads.
“If you are in Australia, please plan ahead. If you have a hidden or safety phone, make arrangements before July 27. Preparation is protection. You deserve to feel safe.”
The post also notes that, prior to the national test in July, alerts will be sent in June to the following locations: Majura (ACT), Launceston (TAS), Port Douglas (QLD), Liverpool (NSW), Tennant Creek (NT), Geelong (VIC), Goomalling (WA), Port Lincoln (SA), Queanbeyan (NSW).
The Instagram post has already reached 1.4 million Australians, generating 20,200 likes, 4,800 reposts, 10,700 shares and hundreds of comments from people concerned about domestic violence risk.
In order to ensure protection of victim-survivors ahead of 27 July, Daughter of Fire is asking everyone, including social media users and media outlets, to continue sharing this message.
“This is preventable harm, but only if people are informed ahead of time,” said Daughter of Fire.