Morrisons becomes first UK supermarket to offer in-store safe spaces as part of domestic abuse campaign

Morrisons is the first supermarket to offer a safe space where victims of domestic abuse can contact support services.

From Monday consulting rooms in pharmacies in 117 Morrisons stores will be designated safe spaces where Morrisons pharmacists - who have been specially trained - can direct those seeking help to the support they need.

The move comes after Morrisons has joined forces with the charity Hestia's UK SAYS NO MORE campaign because a trip to a supermarket is such a routine activity it’s unlikely to alarm an abuser. — Morrisons is the first supermarket to offer a safe space where victims of domestic abuse can contact support services. From Monday consulting rooms in pharmacies in 117 Morrisons stores will be designated safe spaces where Morrisons pharmacists - who have been specially trained - can direct those seeking help to the support they need. The move comes after Morrisons has joined forces with the charity Hestia's UK SAYS NO MORE campaign because a trip to a supermarket is such a routine activity it’s unlikely to alarm an abuser.

A trip to a supermarket is such a routine activity it is unlikely to alert an abuser, so the supermarket is joining forces with the charity Hestia for its UK Says No More campaign to ensure its message reaches those who need it.

An increased risk from domestic violence is considered to be one of the most troubling aspects of the coronavirus lockdown.

Morrisons spokesperson Lisa Leighton said: “We want to help our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time.

“We provide an environment for our staff where those experiencing domestic abuse feel encouraged and empowered to disclose this, and feel confident that we’ll help them get the right specialist support. We wanted to extend this to our customers. ”

Information about the safe spaces and where to get help will also be shared on posters and till receipts in all 494 Morrisons stores, including those in Worksop and Retford.

In those 117 stores which have pharmacies, they will be designated as safe spaces where pharmacists have been trained to provide appropriate support.

Training will continue over the coming months to ensure that every store can offer its own safe space.

Lyndsey Dearlove, who is leading the campaign at Hestia, said: "By offering access to help through their supermarkets Morrisons is offering a lifeline to many victims of domestic abuse.

“Even during lockdown, supermarket trips provide a vital opportunity to seek help without raising the suspicions of an abusive partner or household member. The expansion of safe spaces into supermarkets could save lives.”

Hestia provides a free mobile app, Bright Sky, which has already seen a 47 per cent increase in downloads since the lockdown began.

The app provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

Victims of domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000247 at any time.

There is also a dedicated advice line for men on 0808 801032.