Ask for ANI, the domestic abuse code word scheme, is a way for people to discreetly ask for help in pharmacies.
Pronounced like the name Annie, ANI stands for 'Action Needed Immediately'.
The UK government-backed scheme was established in 2020 within pharmacies to help victims access support locally.
It's been successfully used in the case of a woman in Bootle who asked a Boots pharmacy member for 'Ani' who understood she needed help.
The woman was moved into a back room in the shop and her abuser has since been sentenced to two years in jail.
The impact of lockdowns saw a surge in domestic abuse, but the scheme isn't limited to the pandemic.
Figures from Refuge show a 'dramatic' increase in services as helpline calls between April 2020 and February 2021 increased by an average of 61 percent.
What is Ask for ANI and how does it work?
Ask for ANI is a code word scheme used in pharmacies for victims of domestic violence to signal they need help.
It's a lifeline for people to find safe spaces to ask for support if they are isolated with their abuser.
It was launched in January 2021 by the UK Government in partnership with all Boots pharmacies and some independent pharmacies.
Participating pharmacists will post signs in shops to signal they are trained in the scheme.
When you 'ask for Annie', a pharmacy worker will offer you a private space where they can understand if you need to speak to the police or would like help to access support services, like national or local domestic abuse helplines.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone - and anyone can be an abuser.
Abuse encompasses physical, emotional and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.
Signs include emotional abuse (including financial abuse), threats, intimidation and abuse that's physical, sexual or psychological.
Refuge, a domestic abuse charity, has published a list of questions that may determine if you are a victim.
If you answer yes to any of the below questions, you may be experiencing domestic violence.
You can phone Refuge's freephone 24 hour helpline is 0808 2000 247 and find more resources here.
- Is your partner excessively jealous and possessive?
- Is he charming one minute and abusive the next? Does he have sudden changes of mood – like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
- Is he stopping you from seeing your family and friends? Do you feel isolated?
- Is he constantly criticising you and putting you down in public?
- Does he embarrass you, often in front of family and friends, so that you are seen in a bad light?
- Does your partner play mind games and make you unsure of your own judgment?
- Does he tell you you’re useless and couldn’t cope without him?
- Does he control your money?
- Does he tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, what to think?
- Does he pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
- Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making him angry?
- Does he monitor your movements? Or check up on you via your email, Facebook, Twitter or by looking at your text messages?
- Does he use anger and intimidation to frighten you and make you comply with his demands?
- Has your partner ever threatened you, or intimidated you by using violent language or smashing up the furniture?
- Are you forced to alter your behaviour because you are frightened of your partner’s reaction?
- Are you blamed for their behaviour e.g. they say you were “asking for it” or deserved the abuse?
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