Did you know that victims of domestic abuse can discreetly signal for help from the safety of a pharmacy which is participating in the Ask for ANI scheme? ANI stands for Action Needed Immediately.
Victims use the codeword ANI in participating pharmacies, including all Boots stores and some independent pharmacies in Dorset to let staff know that they require an emergency police response or help with contacting a helpline or specialist support service.
Pharmacies which are taking part display posters with a distinctive hand symbol 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.

View full article here:

https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/d78b5a30-ae78-ee11-9d5c-6045bdd24049

You can find out which pharmacies in your area are participating in Ask For ANI and more about the  the service on the Dorset Police website. Here you will also find details of how pharmacies can sign up to Ask For ANI.
https://www.dorset.police.uk/police-forces/dorset-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/ask-for-ani
The scheme was developed by the Home Office with the help of partners including the domestic abuse sector, pharmacy associations and the police.

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Julie Heath