Boots to provide access to safe spaces for domestic abuse victims
Boots pharmacies have begun offering domestic abuse victims access to safe spaces in its consultation rooms.
Whilst in the rooms, victims can contact specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice.
The scheme has been launched via Hestia’s UK Says No More campaign in response to the situation faced by victims who are isolating with perpetrators during the coronavirus lockdown.
Hestia has seen a 47% increase in victims seeking information and support on its free domestic abuse app since lockdown began. While its figures show that one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse, the charity is concerned that the figures will be much higher during lockdown.
Marc Donovan, chief pharmacist Boots UK said: “Our pharmacies have long been a place where people can turn to for help and advice on their local high street. At times like these, our 2,400 stores in communities across the UK take on increased importance, as a place of safety for those who need one.
“We hope that making our consultation rooms safe spaces we can help people find the support they need at this difficult time, when many other options are temporarily unavailable. This is something our pharmacy teams feel very passionately about, and would like to thank them for stepping forward to help at a time when they are under tremendous pressure.”
