{"id":4851,"date":"2021-01-15T17:16:27","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T15:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/newcastle-upon-tyne\/?p=4851"},"modified":"2021-01-15T17:19:39","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T15:19:39","slug":"ask-for-ani-scheme-for-those-at-risk-of-domestic-abuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/newcastle-upon-tyne\/2021\/01\/15\/ask-for-ani-scheme-for-those-at-risk-of-domestic-abuse\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask for ANI scheme for those at risk of domestic abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"

“It is incredibly important that victims and survivors know there are safe spaces and lifelines within their own communities,” says Dame Vera Baird*, as she welcomes the launch of the codeword scheme.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ask For ANI campaign website.<\/a><\/p>\n

From 14 January victims of domestic abuse will be able to access much-needed support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK, backed by the Government.<\/p>\n

The Ask for ANI scheme\u00a0allows\u00a0those\u00a0at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help\u00a0and access to support. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will\u00a0offer\u00a0a private\u00a0space\u00a0where they can understand if the victim\u00a0needs\u00a0to speak to the police or\u00a0would like\u00a0help to access support services such\u00a0as\u00a0national\u00a0or local\u00a0domestic\u00a0abuse\u00a0helplines.<\/p>\n

As an essential retailer based on high streets across the country, and with specifically trained staff, pharmacies can\u00a0provide a\u00a0safe space for\u00a0victims\u00a0to\u00a0sound an\u00a0alarm\u00a0if they are\u00a0isolated at home with\u00a0their abuser\u00a0and unable to get help in another way.<\/p>\n

The Prime Minister committed to launch this scheme at the Hidden Harms summit\u00a0in May last\u00a0year in recognition\u00a0of the impact\u00a0of\u00a0Covid\u00a0restrictions on\u00a0the ability of\u00a0victims to reach out for help\u00a0and support.\u00a0The scheme was initially proposed by survivors as something that would have helped them<\/p>\n

The codeword scheme will be\u00a0promoted\u202fusing discreet social\u00a0media\u00a0adverts\u00a0and paid\u00a0search.\u00a0Pharmacies will be given promotional material to display in store\u00a0to signal to victims that they are\u00a0participating.\u00a0\u202fHealth professionals, social workers and Job Centres will also be asked to promote the scheme, alongside police, local\u00a0authorities\u00a0and specialist support services\u00a0for victims.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0scheme\u00a0will be initially available through the 2,300 Boots stores across the UK as well as 255 independent pharmacies. There will be an on-going sign-up process open to all pharmacies.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Victims\u2019 Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Vera Baird QC*, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHome is not a safe place for people experiencing domestic abuse, and this is especially true under strict lockdown conditions. So, it is incredibly important that victims and survivors know there are safe spaces and lifelines within their own communities. I welcome the launch of this codeword scheme, which offers victims local avenues for support and escape from domestic abuse, whilst following Government lockdown guidelines.<\/p>\n

Safety for victims is paramount. This campaign has been in development for many months and I hope this long lead-in time has been used effectively to properly safeguard and mitigate against any risks. It can take immense courage and strength for victims and survivors to reach out for help, so it is imperative that there is a long-term commitment from government and pharmacies to provide robust and quality training.<\/p>\n

This also requires commitment from the police to ensure referrals are handled with appropriate urgency to ensure victims are safe and have the confidence to report.<\/p>\n

The groundwork for this scheme was laid by charities and survivors. I congratulate them on their success, and I am grateful to pharmacies and the Home Office for developing this further. I urge the government to work closely with the sector to further develop, monitor and evaluate this scheme over time to ensure it safeguards victims\u2019 welfare.\u201d<\/p>\n

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