Secret code to give women at risk safe haven at Mcdonald’s
HELP ON HAND FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
POLICE have teamed up with Mcdonald’s in a scheme which aims to provide a “safe haven” for women and girls suffering abuse or in need of help.
The initiative, on Anglesey, was launched this week to help female victims of domestic violence.
North Wales Police (NWP), working with the fast food giant, has launched a “Safe Haven” at the Mcdonalds restaurant in Holyhead.
It is designed to help women fleeing abusive partners and young girls who may feel uncomfortable when out and about in the town.
Any female can seek help at the drive-thru, or at the counter, by asking to “speak to Ani” – or saying, “can I have a chat with Ani?”. They will then be directed to a private, safe area in the restaurant while staff contact the police.
The scheme has echoes of a 2019 domestic violence case in California, US, when a distressed woman mouthed the words “help me” to an employee at a Mcdonald’s drive-thru.
Staff called the sheriff’s office and officers later arrested her violent partner and seized an illegal firearm in the boot of the couple’s car.
Sgt Dylan Thomas, of the NWP Holyhead Policing team, said: “In response to suggestions raised by a recent survey, we have identified an area for girls and women to flee when contacting police may be difficult. I would like to personally thank Mcdonald’s Holyhead for their support with this initiative and look forward to continuing this working relationship.”
The Holyhead scheme has parallels with the UK Government’s “Ask for Ani” initiative launched in January 2021.
In this, anyone who feels at risk from abuse can now discreetly signal they need help at thousands of pharmacies across Britain.
Trained pharmacy staff will provide a safe space for victims. Initially, the scheme was made available in 2,300 Boots stores as well as 255 independent pharmacies
Unlike the Holyhead Mcdonald’s initiative, however, the pharmacy codeword scheme is not aimed solely at women.
When the NWP Holyhead Policing team revealed its plans, on Facebook, it drew an angry reaction from male victims of domestic violence.
One man said the omission was “disgusting”.
Another man said: “Fantastic idea but please also include males in this. Men are often the silent victims of domestic abuse and coercive control but rarely speak out.”
A female victim of domestic violence (DV) applauded Mcdonald’s but made the point that most abusers are already savvy about the “Ask for Ani” scheme. She agreed that such initiatives should include both men and women.
She said: “I think in this day and age these incentives should cover both genders, not just singled out to females. Having gone through DV myself it’s shocking how much men go through DV. And to be quite honest, it should be highlighted, so that more men come forward.”
Anyone suffering domestic abuse is being urged to “not suffer in silence”. Victims can call North Wales Police on 101 or via its web chat service – or 999 in an emergency.
If you need help immediately, but can’t talk in safety, dial 999 followed by 55 to indicate you can’t talk, but need help.
Other services include: Live Fear Free Helpline Wales (24/7) 0808 80 10 800 or by text on 07860 077333; Gorwel Gwynedd and Anglesey Domestic Abuse Service – 0300 111 2121.