Stopping domestic abuse with a trip to the bank 

From an article by Reasons to be Cheerful

On the day Noella (not her real name) finally took action against her abusive partner, she knew exactly where to go: the bank.

“I walked into an HSBC U.K. bank branch, asked for a Safe Space, and was able to use a room, with a lovely lady supporting me, for a few hours while I made arrangements to get my abusive husband out of our family home so that my children and I could return safely. I can’t tell you how much of a difference the Safe Space scheme made to me.” says Noella.

241 people used one of the 1,849 Safe Spaces in a U.K. bank between April and December 2024.

An initiative of the U.K. domestic abuse support charity Hestia, Safe Spaces (not to be confused with the First Light Safe Spaces scheme for those abused by someone in a church) seeks to curb a problem that has been steadily increasing across the country over the past 10 years. Around 20% of people in the U.K. over age 16 have experienced domestic abuse in their lives, while around 5% say it’s happened in the past year - with women twice as likely to be victims than men. 

There was a spike of calls to domestic abuse helplines in Covid lockdowns. Banks and pharmacies were legitimate places to go for people, so the Safe Spaces scheme was born.

Banks and pharmacies with a Safe Space advertise it in their window and designate a private room for use by those seeking support for domestic abuse. The room is usually equipped with a computer, phone and contact details for support organizations. Bank and pharmacy staff also receive safeguarding training so they’re able to spot and assist people seeking support. At last count, there are a total of 4,449 Safe Spaces across the U.K.

On top of a Safe Space, U.K. bank TSB even offers an emergency “Flee Fund” of up to £500 to help victims escape abusive relationships. Since launching in 2023, the fund has so far been accessed by 430 people — including 340 women. Nearly half have fled with children.

Hestia is now working with the U.K. government to roll Safe Spaces out across Job Centres, and is fielding applications from other relevant organizations. But it’s not as simple as just signing them up, as the room must not be visible from the main entrance or accessed by anyone else. 

Read the full article here.

Something for an organisation to consider?