Lockdown is supposed to keep us ‘safe’ but who knows what goes on behind closed doors as domestic abuse claims continue to surge.
Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins has announced that a domestic abuse help scheme is available whereby victims can go into Boots or other independent pharmacies and ask for help by asking for “Ani” (pronounced Annie). ANI is a code word standing for Action Needed Immediately.
Anyone using the code word who is suffering from domestic abuse will be taken into a private room and offered much needed support.
Domestic abuse comes in many forms and is not always in the form of physical violence. Here’s a useful link to the Government’s website listing all types of domestic abuse.
How we can help
Our Family team at Bromleys have set up a dedicated Domestic Abuse helpline 0161 331 3887 and we also have an emergency out-of-hours number 07785 531221.
We are able to take on any emergency cases, to include granting emergency legal aid and attending urgent hearings at short notice (whether in person, telephone or through a video hearing) for domestic abuse and/or children cases.
Report it
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic abuse find out how to report domestic abuse.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, call 999 and listen to the questions from the operator and if possible, respond by coughing or tapping the head set.
Call 999 from a mobile
If prompted, press 55 to Make Yourself Heard and this will transfer your call to the police.
Stay safe and don’t suffer in silence.