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Ask for ANI

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Poster used by pharmacists to promote the "Ask for ANI" and Safe Space domestic abuse schemes

Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) is a codeword scheme developed by the Home Office to provide a discreet way for victims of domestic abuse to signal that they need emergency help from the safety of their local pharmacy.

How does the scheme work?

Victims of domestic abuse will be able to use the codeword ANI in participating pharmacies (including all Boots stores and participating independent pharmacies) to let staff know that they require an emergency police response or help contacting a helpline or specialist support service.

Participating pharmacies will display posters in their window and around the pharmacy to let customers know that they can approach their staff to seek help. Any information shared will be treated confidentially.

When a victim uses the codeword or asks for help, the member of staff will offer to accompany the individual to the consultation room. They will then check whether the victim 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.
Information about how pharmacies can access interpretation services in included in the training guidance and animation.

Which pharmacies will be participating in Ask for ANI?

The scheme is voluntary so not all pharmacies will be participating in Ask for ANI, however participating pharmacies will display posters like this to show that they are operating the scheme:

Poster used by pharmacists to promote the "Ask for ANI" and Safe Space domestic abuse schemes
Poster used by pharmacists to promote the “Ask for ANI” and Safe Space domestic abuse schemes

Some pharmacies will already be running the Safe Spaces scheme which enables victims of domestic abuse to use the pharmacy consultation room to access information on domestic abuse support services. Ask for ANI can be used alongside the Safe Spaces scheme to provide support to people who need more immediate assistance. If your home is not a safe environment then we urge you to seek support and please do take advantage of this scheme.   Other ways to access support or seek help:

  • If you are experiencing domestic abuse,  you can contact Northumbria Police on 101, or make a report online.
  • In an emergency, always call 999. If you dial 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask you to dial 55 and to follow their instruction to quickly put you in touch with police.
  • Locally, Newcastle Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS) provide a range of specialist emotional and practical support. They have a 24/7 helpline: 0191 214 6501
  • There is also a National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247.
  • If you are committing abuse and feel like you need help and want to change, you can contact Respect on 0808 8024040.

Ask for ANI (Action Needed Immediately) is a codeword scheme developed by the Home Office to provide a discreet way for victims of domestic abuse to signal that they need emergency help from the safety of their local pharmacy.

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