The Home Office plans to launch the government-backed ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword scheme in January to enable victims of domestic abuse to access help from the police or other support services via a local pharmacy.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, ability, socio-economic status, sexuality or background, says the NPA, which has been supporting the Home Office in recruiting pharmacies to take part in the initiative. ANI stands for Action Needed Immediately. 

Pharmacies taking part in the scheme are required to ensure staff are familiar with the training provided - resources include a short video and two guidance documents on adopting the scheme and responding to the codeword. 

To inform customers that staff are ready to respond, pharmacies are also required to display ‘Ask for ANI’ posters in the pharmacy.

Training information and promotional materials are available on the Home Office website. Pharmacies that want to take part in the scheme but have not yet signed up can do so by completing a confirmation of participation form.

Pharmacies already delivering ‘Safe Spaces’ can further support domestic abuse victims who may need to use the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword.

UK SAYS NO MORE developed ’ Safe Spaces’ using pharmacy consultation rooms during last year's coronavirus for people experiencing domestic abuse. The scheme was supported by the GPhC, RPS, AIM and Community Pharmacy Scotland, Boots, Superdrug and Morrisons, among others.

Pharmacies already taking part in Safe Spaces can use the dual information and materials available from the Home Office website.

Asking about domestic abuse in virtual settings

SafeLives and IRISi have worked with partners in the Violence Against Women and Girls sector to produce guidance to help health professionals safely ask patients about domestic abuse in virtual settings. The guidance sets out five simple steps to help staff identify and respond to people who might be at risk.