HSBC to offer safe spaces for domestic abuse victims in Suffolk
Safe spaces will be available in all their branches
Last updated 19th Apr 2022
HSBC are providing safe spaces for victims of domestic abuse in Suffolk, and all of the bank's 500 plus branches across the UK.
The spaces will enable victims of abuse to access help and support services in a discreet setting without arising suspicion or fear.
Maxine Pritchard, the bank's head of financial inclusion, describes how it works: "When they walk in to a branch they can speak to any of our staff who'll be able to take them into a private room.
"They'll provide information and charities they can contact, there'll be access to a Telephone so they can make a call to a helpline, friend or relative.
"They'll also be able to just sit and have that quiet, thinking, reflection time in safety."
They've teamed up with domestic abuse charity, Hestia, to offer the service, which they say anyone, not just those who bank with HSBC, can access: "This is available for anyone in society who feels they need to access a safe space. We don't require them to be a customer of HSBC.
"They don't need to share any details with us, we don't even need to know their name. It can all be done totally anonymously."
Hestia launched their safe spaces initiative in response to the challenges faced by victims of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown and their inability to access help.
It was originally launched in pharmacies, but has now been extended, with over 4,000 employees across HSBC UK’s branches having received training, which will be refreshed annually.
Maxine says it was important for them to offer the service: "1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes.
"At HSBC we've always been keen to make sure that all of our vulnerable customers are supported through their vulnerable situations."