‘Safe Space’ available for victims of violence

PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CAN SEEK HELP IN BOOTS

BOOTS, which has stores in Bray and Greystones, as well as a store in Arklow, has launched its ‘Safe Space’ initiative in partnership with Safe Ireland, to help those who need help combating domestic violence.

Women who are experiencing domestic violence can go into their local Boots and access a ‘Safe Space’ in a pharmacy consultation room.

In this confidential space they can contact one of the 39 front-line specialist domestic abuse services across the country and access free, confidential support and advice.

Safe Ireland is the national policy and services hub for 39 front-line domestic abuse services throughout the country.

They are leading a community-based nationwide movement to end domestic abuse and coercive control.

They aim to make Ireland as safe as possible for women and children.

‘As self-isolation and social distancing become the new norm for families across Ireland, Safe Ireland is concerned about the long-term impact of the reconfiguration of homes and family life,’ said Safe Ireland co-CEO Mary McDermott.

‘Those in abusive relationships and family homes are now in increasingly restricted conditions,’ she said.

‘They need to know that their community will support them and that there are specialist services available regionally and locally.’

Gardai have prioritised domestic and sexual violence during Covid-19 with Operation Faoisimh.

They say that domestic violence reports have increased by up to 30 per cent in some areas.

Speaking about the partnership, Mary McDermott said: ‘Boots Ireland are showing a welcome corporate-community leadership with this initiative.

‘We are aware that women contained with their abusers through the Covid-19 crisis will not have the space or freedom to call for the support they need from their homes,’ she said.

‘The Boots “Safe Spaces” provide a much-needed and welcome community-based location for people to reach out safely for vital professional advice and support.’

Bernadette Lavery, Managing Director of Boots Ireland said: ‘Now, more than ever, people need safety and security in their lives, and we are very proud that our 88 stores are seen as a place where people can turn to for help during this time.

‘We hope that by making our consultation rooms “Safe Spaces”, people will be able to find the support they need during this difficult time in their lives.

‘This initiative is something our pharmacy and store teams feel very passionate about.

‘I would like to praise them for the amazing job they are doing, at a time when they too are under immense pressure.’

Deputy Stephen Donnelly said that Bray Women’s Refuge does incredible work in helping to protect vulnerable women, but to have this additional services is really invaluable.

‘The Covid-19 crisis has reduced women’s capacity to reach out for help because more people are working from home and there is no escape from the abuse,’ said Deputy Donnelly.

‘Some women and children fleeing violence are left with little option but to return to their abuser by virtue of the lack of refuge spaces.

‘For anyone experiencing domestic violence, please be assured that help is available,’ said the TD.

‘It is important that people are aware of the signs of people who may perhaps be experiencing domestic violence in the home but cannot escape from their abuser or indeed use the phone.’