The Home Office is launching a new ‘Abuse Codeword Scheme’ (from 14 January 2021). The scheme provides a simple and discreet way for people experiencing domestic abuse to signal that they need immediate help from the police or other support services, using a codeword in their local pharmacy.

The scheme is designed to complement existing national campaigns and communications materials that can be used locally will be available after the launch.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also phonetically sounds like the name Annie. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.

There is more information about the scheme here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

Translated Guidance is here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-get-help-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-translations