New Codeword Scheme for Domestic Abuse Survivors

Words Sarah Adama

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The coronavirus crisis has had great impact on the rising numbers of domestic violence cases. The Government-backed scheme allows survivors to seek help discreetly, without the knowledge of their abusers or other members of the public.

Domestic abuse survivors of any gender will be able to walk into a participating pharmacy and ask for ‘Ani’, an acronym for ‘action needed immediately’. They will be taken by a member of staff into a private room and put in contact with the relevant authorities. ‘Ask for Ani’ will be available immediately, initially in 2,300 boots stores and 255 independent pharmacies.

Statistics show that there has been a significant surge in cases reported to the police since the pandemic began, lockdowns have meant that survivors are trapped within the same space as their abusers who have also been unable to seek help from friends and family. During the first three months of lockdown, a fifth of offences recorded by officers in England and Wales were related to domestic abuse. 

The government has given assurance that Ask for Ani staff have been specially trained to provide a safe space for those seeking help. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, giving the announcement said, “As we once again have to ask people across the country to stay at home to tackle this virus, it is vital that we take action to protect those for who home is not a safe space.

That is why we have launched this scheme, supported by pharmacies up and down the country, to give some of the most vulnerable people in society a critical lifeline – making sure they have access to the support they need and keep them safe from harm.”

The Government has also urged employers to better support their staff who are experiencing abuse. In an open letter to employers, business Minister Paul Scully encouraged employers to be alert for signs of any staff being a victim of domestic abuse. 

Signs include sudden changes in behaviour, drops in professional performance or physical marks such as bruising.

If you need help regarding domestic abuse, you are not alone:

Call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 for confidential, non-judgemental information and support.

Women’s Aid – for information and support email helpline@womensaid.org.uk or use the instant messaging service.

Contact a local domestic abuse service using the Domestic Abuse Directory.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

If you are calling from a mobile and cannot speak, press 55 when prompted to dispatch help to your area.