Abuse victims can bank on a safe space on the high street

TSB TEAMS UP WITH CHARITY

DOMESTIC abuse survivors will be able to access “safe spaces” at four Nottinghamshire bank branches in a bid to offer “special support” for victims.

TSB has said the new scheme will enable more people to find help on their high street as lockdown restrictions ease in the UK.

The scheme has been rolled out following three pilots in TSB’S Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire branches over the past six months.

The four Nottinghamshire TSB branches – in Eastwood, Clifton, Sherwood and West Bridgford – will be among almost 300 TSB banks to introduce the scheme.

The bank says it was initially developed during the pandemic in response to people suffering domestic abuse being trapped at home with their abusers.

Domestic abuse charity Hestia, which partnered with the bank and local police forces to develop the initiative, says it has seen incidents ‘surge’ in the past year.

Sue Harper, head of domestic abuse prevention at Hestia, said: “During the pandemic, self-isolation has given abusers a new method of control over victims making it very difficult for them to get the help they need. As restrictions ease, it’s vital that access to specialist domestic abuse support is readily accessible.”

TSB branch staff have received specialist training to increase their confidence in responding to disclosures of domestic abuse and will provide victims with access to a safe space in their branch.

Victims can use a private room to make telephone calls, speak to a trained staff member and contact the local police force if necessary.

The support is available to both TSB customers and non-customers and adheres to current health and safety regulations, ensuring people can still visit safely, the bank said.

Carol Anderson, director of TSB’S branch network, said: “It’s clear during lockdown victims of domestic abuse have had fewer opportunities to seek help safely.

“For some, going into their local bank will be one of the few connections they have with the wider community and in partnership with Hestia we’ll be there to offer that support when they need it most.”

Hestia’s safe spaces initiative was awarded over £652,000 by Postcode Innovation Trust, a grant-making trust funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The Domestic Abuse Commissioner Nicole Jacobs, said: “I am delighted to see that TSB has signed up to this scheme and will now offer victims support in their high street branches.”

During lockdown victims of domestic abuse have had fewer opportunities to seek help safely

Carol Anderson