If you are in an abusive relationship and need help but can’t speak without getting caught you can still contact the Police through the emergency service’s Silent Solution option. Silent Solution allows those in danger and on the phone to the Police to remain silent while the Police track your phone’s location and send help.
Simply call 999 and when the operator answering does not get a response you will be automatically transferred to the Police’s emergency line. You may be prompted to dial 55 or cough as a sign of understanding. The longer you stay on the phone the more accurately the Police can locate your address and get officers out to help you. Your location can be tracked whether you are on mobile or landline. This is an emergency solution and should only be used if speaking will put you in immediate danger.
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, said: “We have seen a rise in domestic abuse reports since the COVID lockdown came in to place and we know that there are people in Cumbria who could be in serious danger from their partner.
“The Silent Solution is the most helpful option for anyone trapped in their house with their abuser and is terrified of being caught speaking to the Police.
“I want this message to be perfectly clear: you do not have to stay in the house with your abuser – the Police will help you leave and get you to a safe location.
“If you are in immediate danger please call 999 and use the Silent Solution if you need to.
“Please report any domestic abuse to the police, your report will be taken seriously.
“If you do not want Police involvement, you can reach out to Victim Support in Cumbria for advice on 03003030157, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm or through their 24/7 live chat which can be found on their website www.victimsupport.org.uk.”
Detective Chief Inspector, Dan StQuintin, said: “Raising awareness of this system is vital, and we need to make sure that everyone understands how to use it.
“There are many reasons as to why a person might be in need of police support but are not able to speak on a 999 call and It is especially important in the current climate that victims of domestic abuse are aware of this system, as this could potentially save someone’s life.
“I hope that the Cumbrian community will help us to spread awareness of this vital service by sharing our social media posts and talking about it to friends and relatives.”
