Victims of domestic abuse will now be able to access support from local pharmacies in Burnley and Padiham, as part of the Ask for ANI scheme backed by local MP Antony Higginbotham and the Government.
The scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse in the local area to discreetly use a recognised codeword to signal that they need help and access to support.
Pharmacies across the borough and the rest of the UK are classed as essential retailers and remain open, meaning specifically trained staff are available to 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.
The scheme will be available in the two Boots stores in Burnley, as well as a number of local independent pharmacies which will display a poster in the window, with more detailed information about the Ask for ANI scheme available online. Pharmacies across Burnley and Padiham that are not yet part of the scheme but would like to sign-up can still do so and are encouraged to contact Antony for more information.
Those who are unable to reach a local pharmacy but are in need of help can go to www.gov.uk for information on support services and helplines available, or call the 24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) which received a significant funding boost last year to ensure support could be offered to all who need it.
The Prime Minister committed to launch the 'Ask for Ani' scheme at the Hidden Harms summit last year in recognition of the impact of Covid restrictions on the ability of victims to reach out for help and support. The scheme was initially proposed by survivors as something that would have helped them.
Commenting, Antony said:
Nobody should suffer at the hands of domestic abuse and it’s crucial that perpetrators face the full force of the law. But for this to happen victims need to be able to speak up.
If you’re a victim of this terrible crime you can now access support safely and discreetly. By asking for ANI in pharamcies across Burnley and Padiham, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if you need to speak to the police or would like help to access support services such as a national or local domestic abuse helpline. Please, don't suffer in silence.
Local pharmacies already play an incredibly important role in our local community, and their support is vital in ensuring that domestic abuse victims get the help that they need during this challenging time.
