Domestic Abuse Support Group Warns Emergency Alert Put Victims At Risk
Written by HFM News on 21st August 2026
A Market Harborough domestic abuse support group has criticised the lack of advance warning ahead of an emergency government phone alert over wildfires.
A ‘severe alert’ was sent to mobile phones across England and Wales at 7pm last Friday, warning people against lighting anything that could spark a fire.
The alert was issued as wildfires were being tackled across the country.
However, The Harborough Doves says the alert could have put domestic abuse victims hiding secret phones at risk.
Padua Eaton has criticised the lack of advance warning ahead of an emergency government phone alert
Secret phones can be an important lifeline for people in abusive or coercive relationships, allowing them to contact support services, speak to loved ones or make plans to leave.
The Cabinet Office published a press release on its website just 15 minutes before the message was sent, but The Harborough Doves says this would have been missed by many people.
Founder Padua Eaton, herself a survivor of domestic abuse, spoke to HFM about the concerns:
The Harborough Doves provides education, awareness and peer support for female survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control across the Market Harborough area.
Padua set up the organisation recently after noticing the town did not have a dedicated support group for domestic abuse survivors.
With a background in wellbeing coaching and supporting women who have been through the criminal justice system, she currently organises monthly meetings through a private Facebook group.
The group takes its name from the dove, which Padua says represents freedom and hope.
The Harborough Doves also campaigns for changes to domestic abuse policies, raises awareness of how abusers can use the justice system to regain control, and calls for better resources for survivors.
Padua currently runs the group with support from committee members and hopes to secure funding to introduce a one-to-one support programme in the area:
More information about The Harborough Doves is available through its Facebook group HERE
