Wiltshire domestic abuse victims should 'ask for Ani' if they need help
Police are setting up a network of places where people can go to safely seek support
Wiltshire Police is calling on the county's independent pharmacies to join a nationwide scheme to offer a lifeline to people affected by domestic abuse.
Anyone needing help to escape an abusive relationship can go to a local pharmacy and 'ask for Ani' to signal that they need help.
'Ani' stands for Action Needed Immediately and pharmacy staff will then put victims in touch with support services.
Nationally, all Boots stores are signed up to the scheme, but Wiltshire Police also wants to have more independent businesses involved, to increase the network of places where people can seek help.
Detective Superintendent Ben Mant, Head of Public Protection at the Wiltshire force, says pharmacies can play a key role:
"We appreciate that it's an incredibly busy time, they're under immense pressure for very obvious reasons, but (pharmacies) provide an opportunity for victims to be able to come forward and ask for help and they're a safe environment where people can do that."
The scheme's being rolled out in pharmacies as they are an essential retailer during lockdown and are the sort of place where victims could easily go, without suspicion from their perpertrators.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for people within abusive relationships, as families are forced to spend more time together due to restrictions on leaving the house.
Escaping danger is however, a valid reason, for being out of your home during lockdown, according to the Government.
Det Supt Ben Mant says that domestic abuse victims have been 'indirectly impacted' by the current situation:
"We know that domestic abuse increased during the first lockdown, it's probably too early to be sure of the exact reporting during this lockdown, but what we don't want to happen is for people to feel that police and our partner agencies aren't here for them. We absolutely are, and we absolutely want to be able to help victims of abuse."
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When a victim goes into a pharmacy with the code word, pharmacy staff will take them to a consultation room.
They'll check if the person's in danger and ask if they want police to be called.
Wiltshire Police's Det Supt Ben Mant says the system relies on the bravery of the victim:
"I don't underestimate the courage that's needed to come out and ask for help, and we're all aware of the consequences of perhaps asking for help, on your life and the lives of your family around you. What I would say is that people shouldn't feel that they're automatically going to be obliged to speak to the police. We'll obviously deal with immediate protection, and if you want us there, we will be there, but you can speak to our partner agencies as well."
Pharmacies that want to take part can find out more and officially sign up via the Home Office wesbite or email AskforANI@homeoffice.gov.uk
If you are in an abusive relationship, or are concerned about someone you know, you can call Wiltshire Police on 101.
If a person's in immediate danger, always call 999.
You can also call Splitz in Wiltshire on 01225 775276, 9.00am to 5.00pm every weekday if you'd rather police weren't involved but you need advice and support.