Kentish Express Ashford & District
Domestic abuse victims given safe space in stores
Extra cash for support groups
A supermarket chain has announced it is offering a new service for victims of domestic abuse from three of its stores in Kent.
From Monday, pharmacies at Morrisons in Maidstone, Canterbury and Walderslade were designated a safe space for those needing to access key services.
The consulting rooms at 117 stores in the UK have been adapted with specially trained pharmacists on hand to direct those seeking help to the support they need.
The move comes as the National Domestic Violence Helpline has reported a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the full lockdown began eight weeks ago.
The supermarket chain is also working with the crisis support charity Hestia which has launched the ‘UK Says No More’ campaign.
Lyndsey Dearlove, from Hestia said: “By offering access to help through their supermarkets Morrisons is offering a lifeline to many victims of domestic abuse. Supermarket trips are part of a routine that, even during lockdown, provides a vital opportunity to seek help without raising the suspicions of an abusive partner or household member. The expansion of safe spaces into supermarkets could save lives.’
Charities that support victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in Kent can now access an extra pot of money to support their services.
The Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott has been allocated an extra £624,000 to distribute to organisations whose services are in high demand.
Mr Scott said: “The Covid19 outbreak has had a severe impact on local charities.
Information about where to get help will also be shared on posters and till receipts in all 494 Morrisons stores across the UK.
Lisa Leighton, head of people at Morrisons said: “We want to help our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time. We provide an environment for our colleagues where those experiencing domestic abuse feel encouraged and
Many of their normal fundraising activities are having to be cancelled at a time when more people staying at home means more vulnerable people at risk of abuse.
“The Government has recognised that local support services need extra support themselves right now and I am delighted to have been granted more than £600,000 for Kent. I strongly urge local groups, whether empowered to disclose this, and feel confident that we’ll help them get the right specialist support. We wanted to extend this to seek help to our customers. You are not alone. Come to our pharmacies and let our colleagues know if you need help.”
Victims of domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time. already receiving funding from my office or not, to complete the application form on our website.”
While this money has been granted by the Ministry of Justice, Mr Scott says he is also planning to launch his own separate funding stream to support other organisations impacted financially by Covid-19.
Eligible groups have until May 29 to bid.