If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or supporting someone who is, and need somewhere to have a safe, private conversation, Safe Spaces are available. We understand that it can be very isolating and difficult to access support when you are experiencing domestic abuse. This scheme aims to give you an opportunity to think about options available and call a specialist support service, helpline, family member or friend. Safe Spaces are there for you to use however you need to.
More information about the Safe Spaces scheme is available here.
Safe Spaces are already set up throughout Scotland within participating Boots UK, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well Pharmacies stores, as well as within TSB and HSBC branches. They are also available in some independent pharmacies in their private consultation rooms.
How to identify a Safe Space
To find your nearest Safe Space you can use UK SAYS NO MOREs location tool, available here.
Participating stores should have displayed window stickers, posters or shelf cards to help you identify it as a Safe Space.
How to access a Safe Space
- Walk into any participating pharmacy, bank or supermarket in Scotland
- Ask at the healthcare counter/main counter in the bank to use their Safe Space
- A pharmacist or member of staff will show you to the Safe Space, which will be their consultancy room
- Once inside, you will find displayed specialist domestic abuse support information to access.
If now is not the right time for you to use the service you can come back another day, or access support via Online Safe spaces by clicking on the Safe Spaces icon at the bottom of this website. Online Safe Spaces do not show up in browsing history.
What to expect from a Safe Space
By accessing this service, you are not expected to disclose what you are experiencing to a member of staff. You will also not be expected to contact the police, unless this is something you wish to do or you are in immediate danger.
The pharmacist or staff member’s role is to show you to the consultation room and signpost you to the specialist support available. You can then use the space to think, reach out to a friend or family member or have a conversation with a specialist domestic helpline to discuss your options.
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7. It is free and confidential. The Helpline offers support to callers in their preferred language through a confidential interpreting service. When calling you can tell them what language you’d prefer and they will arrange this for you. They also have contact options available for callers who have hearing or speech difficulties. If phoning doesn’t feel right for you, you can also contact the Helpline on web chat or email at www.sdafmh.org.uk
Please know that you are not alone, we believe you and there is support available.
