DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The incidence of domestic violence has soared during the COVID-19 pandemic – a worrying trend given that, prior to the first lockdown in March of last year, the number of domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland are at an all-time high since records had begun in 2004!
domestic abuse crimes rose to 18,796, an increase of thirteen per cent on the previous year which amounts to an average of 51 incidents a day.
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Now, as the Police Service of Northern Ireland reveals that the current the current weekly average number of domestic abuse calls it receives has hit an all-time high of 585, a new scheme has been launched for victims of domestic violence to seek help through pharmacies.
The ‘Ask for ANI’ scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help and access to support. By asking for ‘ANI’, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would
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ecent data from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency showed that, in the last year, the number of
like help to access the 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline.
As a trusted source of advice and support in towns and villages across the country, and with specifically trained staff, pharmacies can provide a safe space for victims to sound an alarm if they are isolated at home with their abuser and unable to get help in another way.
Launched by the Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA, and the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, the scheme will initially be available in Boots pharmacies, as well as a number of other independent pharmacies. Participating pharmacies will have promotional material on display in store.
The Ask for ANI scheme was welcomed by Minister Swann.
‘I am acutely aware of how difficult lockdown has been for those affected by domestic abuse,’ he
said. ‘A trip to the pharmacy may be the only chance victims have to access emergency support. Our community pharmacies play an essential role in delivering health services to the people of Northern Ireland, and this has been particularly evident in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic with pharmacy teams rising to the challenges posed by the emergency to adapt and maintain their services.
‘I am delighted that ‘Ask for ANI’ will be available from Boots pharmacies and some independent pharmacies in Northern Ireland and I would encourage other pharmacies to consider joining.’
There will be an ongoing sign-up process open to all pharmacies. Those that sign up will be provided with promotional material to signal that they are taking part.
For more information visit
gov.uk/homeoffice /pharmacy-codeword-scheme.
A TRIP TO THE PHARMACY MAY BE THE ONLY CHANCE VICTIMS HAVE TO ACCESS EMERGENCY SUPPORT
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