With domestic abuse helplines reporting a surge in calls, the United Kingdom has announced a plan to help victims by giving a codeword to shop staff.

This scheme seeks to provide a safe route for victims during shopping trips for necessities such as food and medicine. These trips are likely some of their very few chances to leave home.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted an online meeting to discuss the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable groups of society, including victims of domestic abuse and those who are in conditions of slavery. After this meeting, the codeword strategy was announced.

Johnson has said in statements that he is aware that home is not a safe place for many people and recognizes that lockdown has worsened many of these situations.

The United Kingdom is not alone in these projects. Countries like Spain, Italy, Argentina, and more have also announced similar programs to properly combat spikes in domestic violence.

The scheme specifically involves the training of staff in grocery shops and farmacias alike to identify the codeword and respond, according to the government. Charities and businesses such as the National Pharmacy Association and the British Retail Consortium are discussing how to implement this strategy.

Refuge has said that in the last month they have seen a 25% increase in calls to its domestic abuse helpline. According to the same organization, almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime.

From March 2018 to March 2019, 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse. One of the most shocking statistics states that two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales alone.

In order to launch the program, it is important for shop staff to receive proper training and for monitoring to begin for it to operate smoothly and safely. The system is also aiming to help victims of forced marriage to recognize “honor-based abuse”.

“Communities can be vital gateways to support for survivors of domestic abuse. A code word scheme in supermarkets and pharmacies could help to ensure women experiencing domestic abuse can access the help they need.”

Lucy Hadley, a policy manager at charity Women’s Aid.

It is extremely important for this scheme to be handled delicately. Max Hill QC, Director of Public Prosecutions, told the Commons Justice Committee that in these times cases of domestic abuse are being treated as a priority.

There are new tactics surging all across the United Kingdom’s police forces in Cumbria, Sussex, and South Wales. Discussions on how to better distinguish higher risk of attack and how to get certain agencies involved are planned for the next few weeks.

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