Pharmacies across England take up domestic abuse training

Pharmacy professionals in England are now completing domestic abuse e-learning as part of the NHS’s Pharmacy Quality Scheme. The training has been created by domestic abuse charity Hestia’s UK Says No More campaign.

 

Since the new Pharmacy Quality Scheme framework was introduced in September, over 13,000 pharmacy staff have already completed the domestic abuse e-learning, which contains information about domestic abuse, who it affects, and how to respond to disclosures of abuse.

This comes at a vital time for victims of domestic abuse, as recent demand on domestic abuse helplines is at an all-time high with over 50,000 support sessions delivered through the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in England and Wales in the year ending March 2021[1].

Following completion of the e-learning, pharmacies also have the option to implement the Safe Spaces and Ask for ANI schemes, which provide discreet and immediate help to victims in their community. Since the announcement in September 2022, over 100 additional pharmacies have signed up to the schemes.

Over 4,000 pharmacies are already signed up to the schemes including Boots UK, Superdrug pharmacies, and Well pharmacies, as well as hundreds of independent pharmacies across England.

Sue Harper, Head of Domestic Abuse Prevention at Hestia said: 

“With demand for support around domestic abuse at an all-time high, it’s a hugely positive step that community pharmacies across the country will now be trained in how to best recognise and support domestic abuse. We’re also delighted that over 100 new pharmacies have taken the decision to adopt Safe Spaces and Ask for ANI in their settings. We know that having access to a discreet safe space can save lives, so it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness and reach more people in their local communities.”

Minister for Safeguarding, Sarah Dines said:

“The impact of domestic abuse is devastating but often hidden, so it’s vital that different avenues are available for victims to safely come forward and access emergency support.

“More pharmacies adopting the Ask for ANI scheme will mean more victims can access lifesaving support, helping to break the cycle of abuse.”

[1] Domestic abuse victim services, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)