Abuse help at UK pharmacies

PHARMACIES in the UK last Thursday (14) launched a campaign encouraging domestic abuse victims to give staff a code word in order to access help.

The pandemic and lockdown restrictions have led to a surge in domestic violence and child abuse, as victims have found it harder to flee attackers if they are living together.

People who “discreetly signal” using the code word “ANI” will be offered a private space where they can talk to a trained pharmacy worker who will ask them if they want to immediately get help from police or other support.

Home secretary Priti Patel said the scheme “will ensure victims of domestic abuse can always get help when they need it”.

The scheme involves the 2,300 branches of Boots, as well as 255 independent pharmacies, officials said.

Patel has also announced new laws to end the release without bail restrictions of those suspected of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

This would “ensure that suspects… are more closely monitored and the public is protected”, the home secretary said.

The government announced in May last year that it was giving £76 million to charities that support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and modern slavery.