Can’t Speak on a 999 Call?

Can’t Speak on a 999 Call? Pressing 55 Could Save Your Life

By Aneeta Prem MBE JP
Founder of Freedom Charity | Author | National Safeguarding Campaigner

A message that could save a life

Many people don’t know what to do if they call 999 but cannot speak.
Fortunately, there is a system in place. It’s called the Silent Solution, and it exists for this exact reason.

For those experiencing forced marriage, dishonour abuse, or domestic violence, speaking aloud might be dangerous. In these cases, silence isn’t weakness. It’s protection.

What is the Silent Solution?

The Silent Solution is an emergency call system used across the UK. It helps people who dial 999 but are too afraid — or unable — to talk.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Dial 999 from a mobile phone

  2. Stay silent or make very little noise

  3. You’ll hear an automated message

  4. It will say: “You are through to the police. If you require assistance, press 55.”

  5. Press 55 when prompted

  6. The call will then go to a police call handler, who listens for signs of danger

However, if you don’t press 55 or speak, the call may be disconnected. That’s why it’s essential to know this process before you need it.

“I pressed 55 — and the police came.”

Shared by Fatima (name changed for safeguarding)

“I didn’t think it would happen so fast. My brother said it was time. My mum stood outside my door while I packed. I knew I wasn’t coming back to university. This wasn’t a trip. It was something else.

At uni, Aneeta Prem from Freedom Charity gave a talk. She said: ‘If you’re in danger and can’t speak on a 999 call — press 55.’ I never forgot it.

That night, I went into my room and shut the door. I dialled 999. I muted the phone. Then I waited.

When the voice said ‘Press 55’, I did. I didn’t even breathe.

Minutes later, I saw blue lights. My father tried to stop me at the door. But I ran.

The police didn’t ask questions. They took me straight away. I was safe. And I remembered every word of that talk.”

Fatima escaped because she knew what to do. Her story is one of many. Others still don’t know about this system.

Key facts you must know

To use the Silent Solution:

What about landline calls?

If you use a landline and stay silent:

Landlines provide address data. Mobile phones need action.

Why Freedom Charity teaches the Silent Solution

Freedom Charity exists to protect young people and families from:

Since launching, we have:

We teach this system in every session. It can save lives.

What you can do today

To help others, here’s what you can do now:

Sources and facts

This blog is based on verified, up-to-date UK guidance:

Final word from Aneeta

Fatima remembered one thing. She pressed 55. That decision saved her life.

In my work, I’ve met many others who weren’t so lucky — not because they didn’t want help, but because they didn’t know what to do.

Let’s change that.
Read this. Share it. Print it. Teach it.
You could be the reason someone makes it out.

Aneeta Prem, MBE JP
Founder, Freedom Charity
Author of But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers
Safeguarding campaigner and advocate for children’s rights

#SilentSolution #Press55 #999Help #FreedomCharity #ForcedMarriage #Safeguarding #ChildProtection #DomesticAbuse #CoerciveControl #PSHE #EmergencyServices