'Silent' emergency phone number you’ve probably never heard of could actually save your life

A campaign launched by domestic abuse charity Women's Aid is attempting to raise awareness of a telephone number that can be used by victims who feel they can't voice their concerns out loud.

Titled 'The Ignored Emergency', the campaign aims to help those trapped inside harmful relationships get the help they need, even when in the presence of their abusive partner.

An annual report which concluded in March 2024 found that a heartbreaking 857,810 abuse-related crimes in the UK were recorded by police, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Staggeringly, this implies that abuse is more of a risk to women than both a fire or a traffic accident.

Tragically, however, a huge proportion of further cases go unreported, with the nature of these often physically-violent relationships preventing victims from feeling they're able to reach out for help out of fear of punishment.

With this in mind, Women's Aid previously introduced a silent lifeline, which would allow victims to report abuse without actually having to report a crime down the phone, in the hope of saving lives.

The campaign is aimed at those unable to vocalise their abuse (Olga Rolenko/Getty)

How to make a silent 999 call

If you are in danger but unable to speak on the phone, you can call 999-55.

The number connects victims to an operator who is already aware that the caller won't be able to vocally report the abuse they've been suffering.

"Silence can speak volumes, and this is one instance where that is particularly true," Sarah Hill, the chair of Women's Aid, told press this week.

"Society must come together and recognise domestic abuse as the emergency it is, equipped with the knowledge needed to stand up and protect lives.”

The Metropolitan Police adds that you 'may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone to answer questions' and that 'police will usually be able to find your location'.

The campaign has been accompanied by a chilling new advert, emphasising the existence of the emergency phone number.

Beginning by showing a badly-injured woman lying on her front - seemingly having been the victim of a road traffic collision - the narrator of the clip begins by explaining: "The road can be deadly, so buckle up, think, always wear your seatbelt.

"And if the worst does happen, help is on the way."

Founders of the campaign are hoping to raise awareness of the phone number (MementoJpeg/Getty)

The video the cuts to the same woman - bearing the same injuries - lying in the same position on a kitchen floor, before a door is heard slamming.

"But if you're a woman," the narrator continues. "You're over three times more likely to be killed by your partner than by not wearing your seatbelt."

For more information on how to make a silent 999 call, click here.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can also talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247.

Or alternatively, call 999-55 if you're unable to speak out.

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