Jessica Lockett | Getty Images
There have been many shocking statistics to have emerged throughout the coronavirus pandemic so far, but one particularly concerning one is the increased rate of domestic abuse.
Reports of domestic abuse-related crimes during the first lockdown - between March and June 2020 - were up 7% compared to the same period the year before, according to government statistics released in November. The police recorded 259,324 offences flagged as being domestic abuse-related, which is an unthinkable number when you consider the ongoing advice to 'stay at home'.
Now, in a bid to support anyone experiencing abuse inside their home - be it physical, emotional or coercive - the government has teamed up with independent pharmacies and Boots pharmacies across the country to launch a new code word scheme. The 'Ask for ANI' scheme is designed to enable domestic abuse victims to seek immediate help from police or other support services.