The Safe Spaces are specifically designed office areas for people to contact a support service, phone a helpline, talk to a loved one, or simply to take a moment in which to gather their thoughts.
Those needing the help do not need to be Santander customers, and as part of the initiative, employees will go through specialist training on domestic abuse awareness.
Of the few branches with no suitable areas for privacy, Santander workers will show where the next nearest Safe Space partner in the local area is – which the bank confirmed will always be within a mile of those few banks.
The program is supported by Hestia, a charity which helps children and adults in time of crisis and currently operates over 7,000 ‘Safe Spaces’ in pharmacies and banks in the UK.
Domestic abuse can often include prevention of funds
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, around one in five adults in England and Wales said they had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16 years.
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Dorothy Liviabella, head of vulnerable customer strategy, Santander UK said: “We know that most domestic abuse cases involve some form of financial abuse, including controlling behaviour, preventing access to funds or blocking online access. Our people are trained to spot the signs of financial abuse and customers can speak to us for confidential support when they need help to regain control over their finances.
“We’re pleased to introduce Safe Spaces, in partnership with Hestia, within our branch network as part of our support to those who are experiencing domestic abuse and need a safe place to access help.”
Hestia has issued a four-step guide on how to use the service.
How do I access a domestic abuse Safe Space?
- Find your nearest Safe Space
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and need somewhere to go to call a helpline or support service, the first step is to find the nearest Safe Spaces to you.
Safe Spaces operate in all Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, as well as in hundreds of independent pharmacies across the country. Safe Spaces are also open in all TSB bank branches, and in HSBC branches in Southampton.
- Ask at the counter
When you arrive at your selected pharmacy or bank branch, ask at the counter to use the Safe Space. Staff working at participating pharmacies and banks have been trained on the Safe Spaces scheme and so will know what you mean. You do not have to answer any questions about your situation.
The staff will then show you to a private room in the pharmacy or bank. If you require an immediate police response, head to the counter and ‘Ask For ANI’. The staff will assist you in calling the police if you wish to.
- Once inside the Safe Space
You will be given privacy while at a safe space to think or call a helpline, support service or friend.
Posters will be displayed inside the safe space, highlighting the numbers to call for national domestic abuse helplines. Information on the Bright Sky app will also be displayed, which can be downloaded to help you find the nearest domestic abuse support services to you. Please only download the Bright Sky app if it safe to do so.
There is no time limit on using a safe space. You can take as long as you need to make calls or gather your thoughts.
- After you’ve used a Safe Space
Once you have finished with the safe space, you are simply free to leave the pharmacy or bank. You can return to use the safe space whenever you need to – there is no limit on how many times you can use a safe space. Remember, domestic abuse is never your fault and you are not alone. Support is available.
You can contact the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you are in immediate danger, always phone the police on 999.