IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE HELP
ASK FOR ANI
OUR CONSULTATION ROOM IS OPEN
OR
The force and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Kathryn Holloway, are supporting a new domestic abuse codeword scheme which launched Thursday 14th January to help victims access emergency support in the community via local pharmacies.
IF YOU NEED A SAFE SPACE
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE domestic abuse please visit www.bedfordshire.police.uk/information-andWE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU. services/Crime/Domestic-abuse The “Ask for ANI” (pronounced Annie) scheme has To find out more information and advice about
been devised byuse the Home OfficeSpace in collaboration Ask to the Safe or ask for ANI at the healthcare counter. Victims of domestic abuse can also contact with pharmacy associations, the police, and Signpost for free and confidential support, whether partners working in the domestic abuse sector. the abuse has been reported or not. Anyone experiencing abuse will be able to use the Signpost’s experienced staff and volunteers know codeword “ANI” at participating pharmacies, which stands for “Action Needed Immediately”, to indicate what emotions and challenges victims may be going through. They are specially trained to listen they require emergency police response, or help to and give help and advice. Often just talking to find support, when speaking to pharmacy staff. someone, especially one who is not family or a friend, can help victims, or those affected, make Participating pharmacies will display information sense of what has happened and find a way to help to let customers know that they can approach cope and recover. their staff to seek help, and when a victim uses the codeword, or asks directly for help, they will be They can provide a safe, neutral place for victims shown to a consultation room and helped to seek to voice their fears, worries and emotions. Their police assistance, or contact appropriate support emotional support is confidential and nonservices, and work has already been undertaken judgemental. They also work with a range of by the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, specialist organisations and community support to get the county’s pharmacies on board with the groups and can make referrals to help victims on scheme in readiness for its launch. their journey. To report domestic abuse, call police on 101, or For further information or to get in contact visit visit a participating pharmacy and ask for “ANI”. www.signpostforbedfordshire.com Alternatively, you can call independent charity 10
