Hestia, Boots, and Home Office mark one year since launch of 'Ask For ANI' domestic abuse scheme

The 'Ask For ANI' scheme compliments Hestia's Safe Spaces scheme.

On Thursday 13 January, Hestia's CEO Patrick Ryan joined Home Secretary Priti Patel and Boots UK's Chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan to mark the one year anniversary of the 'Ask for ANI' (Action Needed Immediately) domestic abuse scheme.

Since January 2021, Hestia has supported the Home Office in the development of 'Ask for ANI', a codeword scheme that enables pharmacy staff to offer immediate and emergency police assistance to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.

The Safe Spaces scheme exists for anyone experiencing domestic abuse to privately call a helpline, support service or loved one.

At the anniversary visit, the Home Secretary spoke to pharmacists at the Boots store in Piccadilly Circus about how they have helped victims of domestic abuse access vital support through the scheme.

Picture by Tim Hammond / No 10 Downing Street

Patrick Ryan and Marc Donovan accompanied the Home Secretary on a tour of the Boots flagship store and discussed the wider issues surrounding domestic abuse.

The 'Ask for ANI' initiative allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help. After asking for ANI (pronounced 'Annie'), a trained pharmacy team member will determine whether the individual would like or needs police assistance, or whether they would like to contact a helpline or support service. 

Almost 100 disclosures of domestic abuse have been recorded since the launch of the scheme. Our analysis suggests that 

• 95% of individuals who asked for ANI then used Safe Spaces
• 14% were supported by a pharmacist to dial 999
• 8% were supported to make a non-emergency 101 call to the police

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia said:

“We know from our work supporting victims of domestic that during the pandemic, home has not been a safe place for them, with abuse escalating and support networks cut off. 

It is vital that victims of domestic abuse know that they are not alone. With Safe Spaces and ANI now running in over half of all UK pharmacies, anyone enduring domestic abuse can access specialist support discretely on their local high streets. 

The success of these initiatives has shown the critical role that businesses and communities can play in breaking the silence around domestic abuse. As restrictions ease, we hope to continue building partnerships to ensure every victim can get the support they need.”

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, said:

“Any form of domestic abuse is an abhorrent crime and this government is both increasing support for victims and ensuring that perpetrators feel the full force of the law.  

The Ask for ANI scheme has had a successful first year and is a great example of government, businesses, and charities working together to provide vital support to victims. I urge all pharmacies to get on board with the scheme as we look to expand it and explore other spaces that could be used for the same purpose.

As Home Secretary, tackling domestic abuse is a top priority for me and I am taking on board victims’ concerns and giving the police the powers they need to bring those responsible to justice.”

“The success of these initiatives has shown the critical role that businesses and communities can play in breaking the silence around domestic abuse. As restrictions ease, we hope to continue building partnerships to ensure every victim can get the support they need.”

Boots Chief Pharmacist Marc Donovan said: 

“Boots pharmacies have long been a place where people can turn to for help and advice on their local high street. The Ask for ANI scheme offers a real lifeline to people who feel in danger at home and has enabled our pharmacy teams to provide discreet support to them. We are very proud to work with the Home Office on this important initiative and encourage other pharmacies to get involved too.”

Boots Piccadilly Circus Pharmacist Bina Mehta said:

“I am very passionate about this scheme and the training that I have had as part of it has really helped. I find it rewarding to know that I’ve been equipped to help people in their hour of need and able to help keep my patients safe. Some people that have come into the pharmacy to Ask for ANI have been very emotionally distressed and thanks to this scheme I am able to make them feel calm and safe and get them the support they need.”

Find your nearest safe space now.

Learn more about Hestia's Safe Spaces scheme

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