Boots pharmacies across the UK will provide safe spaces for domestic abuse victims from Friday, allowing them to access help and advice during the coronavirus lockdown. Those in need can ask staff at the counter to use a consultation room, where they can contact support services.
The scheme, launched by charity Hestia, aims to address the 'desperate situation' many face while isolated at home with abusers. MPs have reported a 'surge' in domestic violence since lockdown began, with calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline rising by 49% and killings doubling.
Hestia has seen a 47% increase in victims seeking help via its Bright Sky app. Lyndsey Dearlove from the charity said: 'Self-isolation offers a new method of control over victims, making it very difficult for them to seek support. Our message is domestic abuse services are open and we can help you.'
One victim, who fled her abusive partner during lockdown, said: 'When I heard about the safe spaces scheme I thought it was brilliant and it would have really helped me.' She described how the abuse escalated after lockdown, with her partner pouring hot noodles on her and attacking her while she slept.
An estimated 1.6 million women and 786,000 men experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales in the year ending March 2019, according to the Office for National Statistics.
