Priti Patel has been slammed for giving 'incorrect' advice to domestic abuse victims.
The Home Secretary was also accused of 'smirking' throughout her This Morning interview by angry viewers.
Ms Patel was forced to answer claims that the government had taken too long to respond to a domestic violence surge in lockdown -with at least 10 women and children reportedly killed.
She confirmed that victims of domestic violence that are in danger can leave their homes despite the lockdown and can ring The National Domestic Abuse Helpline pn 0808 2000 247.
But viewers called into question her guidance when discussing how to speak to the police on the silent helpline.
Ms Patel said: "They can leave their home and can also get help and support through the National Domestic Abuse Helpline
"If they can’t speak over the phone they can call 999 and press 55 which is a silent helpline.
"By leaving home there are charities like Women's Aid that can provide help and support."
However, many viewers claimed the Home Secretary had not correctly explained the process.
Taking to Twitter, one viewer said: "No empathy or any emotions from Priti Patel #ThisMorning She should also have explained the ‘pressing 55’ correctly, not just a matter of calling 999 and 55 straightaway!"
"She is giving incorrect advice about the 999 / 55 call process!!! Please ensure this is corrected," added another.
A third agreed: "She just got out wrong AGAIN! You MUST wait to be prompted by an operator before pressing 55!"
One person explained that if you are in an emergency and unable to speak, dial 999, you should listen to the 999 operator who will prompt you to press 55.
They stated that by simply coming straight on and pressing 55 at the start of the call is more than likely going to result in your key presses being deemed random and the call a non-emergency.
Ms Patel was also grilled on the show by Ruth Langsford, who pointed out that Refuge saw a 700% rise in online traffic to its National Domestic Abuse Helpline website in a single day.
When asked if she was too late to react, Ms Patel said: "Not at all. I speak to organisations every single day and spend a lot of time pressing this in government.
"This is the amount they've asked for. We’ve been getting the money to them. I’ve been speaking to the police every day and it's clear right now we're seeing a small uptick on the policing perspective.
"People trapped at home are using the online communications to seek support. The refuges and charities are doing an excellent job working flat out."
Angered This Morning viewers accused the Home Secretary of 'smirking' during the interview.
"Why is priti patel smirking her face off on #thismorning ? this is serious," asked one viewer.
Another added: "I’m just astounded as to how heartless and unsympathetic Priti Patel comes across!"
"Looks like reading from a script. Smirking,she has no idea. Go get a coffee and sit in the garden. You’ve done your bit !!!!!," said a third.
*This Morning airs weekdays on ITV at 10am
