This is a shocking crime which will affect so many and highlights the true tragedy of violence against women and girls. If you need support please contact Women’s Aid womensaidni.org or the 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 08088021414
Category Archives: Domestic Violence
Ask for ANI
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and need support, you can ASK FOR ANI in all Boots pharmacies and any independent pharmacies displaying the logo. ANI stands for Action Needed Immediately. The pharmacist will bring you to a safe place on site.
Women’s Aid launches a dedicated service for professionals
Today, we’re proud to be launching our brand-new Women’s Aid pilot: a dedicated service for professionals — developed in response to the devastating impact of #Covid19 on survivors and domestic abuse keyworkers. We’re #StrongerTogether #IWD2021
womensaid.org.uk/international-
Ask for ANI scheme for victims of domestic abuse
Ask for ANI is a codeword scheme developed by the Home Office to provide a discreet way for victims of domestic abuse to signal in their local pharmacy that they need help
Victims of domestic abuse will be able to use the codeword ANI in pharmacies to let staff know that they require an emergency police response or help contacting a helpline or specialist support service. Participating pharmacies will ensure that all staff are aware of the codeword and have completed training on how to respond if someone asks for ANI.
Participating pharmacies will display posters in their window and around their premises to let customers know that they can approach their staff to seek help.
When a victim uses the codeword or asks for help, the member of staff will ask the victim to accompany them to the consultation room. They will then check whether the victim is in danger and wants the police to be called. If so, the staff member will offer the use of a phone to dial 999 or make the call on the victim’s behalf.
If the victim is not in an emergency situation, the staff member will support the victim to contact a national domestic abuse helpline or local support service. They may also contact the police via 101.
Detective Inspector Avine Kelly is the Ask for ANI champion for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. She says: “It is my hope that this scheme offers a safe way for victims of domestic abuse to contact emergency services so that they can begin to improve their lives, especially in these times of Covid where many sufferers may be even more isolated than ever. So if you hear the word ANI you will know that the call relates to domestic violence. Please record on the log that the Ask the ANI codeword has been used.
“If you need any more information at all on this scheme then please just get in touch with me.”
| Ask for ANI – Information for non-participating pharmacies | Click Here |
| Ask for ANI – Police Call Handlers Briefing | Click Here |
| Ask for ANI – Force Champion Action List | Click Here |
| Ask for ANI – Local Partners Briefing | Click Here |
| Ask for ANI – Northern Ireland Pharmacies | Click Here |
Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Bill
The Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Bill received Royal Assent on Monday 1st March 2021.
The Act, named the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, is now available on legislation.gov.uk at:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/primary+secondary/2021?title=Domestic%20Abuse
As you will be aware, this is a landmark piece of legislation for Northern Ireland that will criminalise a course of abusive behaviour including both physical and non-physical abusive behaviours (including controlling and coercive behaviour).
Along with the introduction of the new domestic abuse offence, the general statutory aggravator and child aggravators, a number of associated reforms to criminal procedure, evidence and sentencing are also included within the legislation.
