Morrisons offers safe spaces in pharmacies for victims of domestic abuse

• Morrisons pharmacy consulting rooms will be designated safe spaces to allow domestic abuse victims to report violence without alerting their partners

• The National Domestic Abuse Helpline has reported a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown began

Morrisons has become the first supermarket to offer a safe space for victims of domestic abuse who are suffering due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The retailer has joined forces with the charity Hestia’s UK Says No More campaign in a plan to allow victims to report violence in a safe place at the supermarket, without alerting their partners.

From next Monday, consulting rooms in pharmacies at 117 Morrisons stores will be designated safe spaces where Morrisons pharmacists - who have been specially trained - can direct those seeking help to the support they need.

Information about the safe spaces and where to get help will also be shared on posters and till receipts in all 494 Morrisons stores.

The UK Says No More campaign is aimed at helping victims of domestic abuse who have been forced to isolate with perpetrators during lockdown.

The move comes as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline has reported a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown began.

Hestia provides a free mobile app, Bright Sky, which has already seen a 47% increase in downloads since the lockdown began. The app provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

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Victims of domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 at any time.

Morrisons said it would also focus on raising awareness and understanding of domestic abuse, with colleagues across all 494 stores nationwide over the coming months to ensure that every store becomes a safe space for those who need it the most.

“We want to help our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time,” said Morrisons head of people Lisa Leighton. “We provide an environment for our colleagues where those experiencing domestic abuse feel encouraged and empowered to disclose this, and feel confident that we’ll help them get the right specialist support. We wanted to extend this to seek help to our customers. You are not alone. Come to our pharmacies and let our colleagues know if you need help.”

Head of UK Says No More at Hestia, Lyndsey Dearlove, added: “By offering access to help through their supermarkets Morrisons is offering a lifeline to many victims of domestic abuse.

“Supermarket trips are part of a routine that, even during lockdown, provides a vital opportunity to seek help without raising the suspicions of an abusive partner or household member. The expansion of safe spaces into supermarkets could save lives.”